Given the constraints that exist, prudent and efficient management is a good place to begin. I will ask the Council to view the less rosy revenue projections as an opportunity. The Council and the Executive should join in seeking to establish an aggressive program designed to ensure continuing management improvements, focusing on efficiency, productivity and, when appropriate, restructuring of government. I know we can save money this way without damaging programs. We may well need those savings to meet high priority needs.
Small businesses taken together, are our largest employer.
We need to make certain small businesses thrive, through cooperative efforts with private lenders to provide expanded loans, grants, and training. Strengthening small businesses should be a high priority for the county. The Children First Initiative, started at the suggestion of Ike Leggett, must continue. A major goal is to ensure that there are collaborative programs for young children that make them ready for school. Early childhood education, including all-day kindergarten is a major piece of this effort.