I hope that our 2009 budget does not contain the same mistakes that have been the norm in prior years. Revenues that fall far short of projections and expenses that exceed their budget are a simple but true recipe for disaster. We are in the middle of a financial crisis which is affecting us at both the local and federal levels. This is not the time for politics! This is the time to reach both inside and outside party lines to the many talented individuals in our community who can help the city present a budget to the taxpayers which reflects the reality of the situation.

It amazes me that one of our best resources is continually ignored until the situation becomes too dire and then he is called upon to clean up the mess created by his own people. Yes, I am referring to our County Executive Tom Suozzi. Here is a person who lives in our city, runs our county and manages a budget of $2.6 billion. He has reservoirs of resources, talent and ideas at his disposal and yet no one asks for his input.

My point is that there are capable people in our city who can help lay the foundation for fiscal stability. However, this will never be accomplished if the playing field isn't expanded and only those that supported the incumbents continue to be rewarded at the expense of taxpayers' money. The last thing I want to see this year is a council that approves a budget without asking and answering the tough questions that will be put before them by the taxpayers of our community. As I have said before, we are in this together and together we need to find solutions. Let's hope this year is the start of something better for all of us.

Reginald Spinello