NY Daily News - February 07, 2012
by Lisa L. ColangeloBorough President Helen Marshall cites deep cuts in Bloomberg's proposed budget
Mayor Bloomberg's proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget is not as benign as it appears, according to Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. Senior centers, firehouses and programs for children remain on the chopping block, she said."Deep cuts are on the horizon because funding restored by the City Council will be eliminated," Marshall said Monday at the start of a day-long hearing at Queens Borough Hall.
Representatives from community boards, cultural organizations, nonprofit groups and colleges argued for their piece of the budget pie.
Marshall and her aides use the testimony to help shape her budget priorities.
But Marshall will also have to do her own lobbying. She said $1.6 million of borough president discretionary funding was not included in the mayor's budget.
"Without it, six senior centers will close, four adult day care centers, transportation programs will cease and much more," she said.
The Council can restore those funds during budget negotiations with the Bloomberg Administration.
The proposed citywide spending plan features no new taxes or layoffs. Many speakers argued that years of cuts and reductions through attrition have eaten away at city services and staffing.
"We used to have 300 officers in each of the precincts," said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), chairman of the Council's public safety committee. "Now we are down to 150."
Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante said the budget includes a proposed reduction of $26.7 million compared to what was adopted last year.
That kind of cut could result in staff cuts, library hours slashed and facilities shuttered, he said.
The top priority of Community Board 9 remains the renovation and reopening of the Forest Park Carousel, according to District Manager Mary Ann Carey.
The Queens Historical Society is hoping Marshall can help the group secure funding to buy the landmarked Steinway Mansion in Astoria and open it to the public.
District managers from many Queens community boards said they cannot afford to lose any more employees. Bloomberg has proposed cutting their budgets by 6%, which translates to about $12,000.
The reduction "will cause every community board to lay off at least one employee," said Community Board 14 District Manager Jonathan Gaska, who wore a Giants football jersey over his suit to celebrate the Super Bowl champions. "Community boards are the only city agency that has not received an increase in its budget in over 10 years."
