City Room™ - Politics - Budget Cuts Not an Option at First Budget Meeting

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City RoomTM Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff

Budget Cuts Not an Option at First Budget Meeting
Produced by Sam Hudzik on Wednesday, August 26, 2009

An overflow crowd showed up at the South Shore Cultural Center. (WBEZ/Sam Hudzik)

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says the city needs to "go on a diet" to fill a more than $500-million budget deficit. But residents attending this year's first budget meeting had service increases on their minds.

A number of speakers in the overflow crowd at the South Shore Cultural Center Tuesday night complained about cuts at the city's mental health clinics. Carol Smith demanded answers about short-staffing at the clinics.

SMITH: I want an answer right now. I want to know... (applause)

The mayor didn't answer that - or most - questions directly, instead asking his staff to meet people individually. A handful of speakers brought up the city's 2016 Olympic bid - almost all, like Judith Rodgers, opposed to it.

RODGERS: If you can get that money together for a stupid Olympics, you can take that money and put more police on the street.

Many more speakers complained about crime they say is ruining their neighborhoods, and schools they say need more money and attention.