1998 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Home

Conditions for Success For Riverside to be a winner, we must compete in the following ways: Our electrical utility must compete and retain customers-residential, commercial, and industrial. It is not an overstatement that the City's future is at stake. The extraordinary competition of deregulation brings peril as well as possibilities. We need your help and support! Success will only come from a new approach to customers, the delivery of a competitive electrical rate, and the readiness of the business community to rally in support of the Riverside Electrical Utility. As a City, we must replace red ink with black. We cannot and will not accept four more years of major budget deficits. Three answers-first, the State fiscal decision rules for local government must change. State "take aways" now cost Riverside over $4.2 million a vear. As a member of a League of CaliIbmia Cities task force, we are working with other local agencies and groups to develop a common framework and strategy. Both the quality of life and economic development in Califorma cities are handicapped by our current system of local finance and especially by the shift of revenues from local governments to help balance the state budget. Local taxes should remain here. I pledge to do everything I can to make that happen! Second, we must increase the City's sales tax revenues. By far the largest revenue source, sales taxes represent about 25% of the City's General Fund. The City must develop proactive strategies for increasing sales ~x revenues, including selective retail recruitment. Residents and leaders can importantly help by purchasing goods and services in Riverside. Third, I applaud the City Manager for past efforts to reengineer and reinvent City Hall. We must continue such initiatives if we are to increase revenues, reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve services. And we need to compare ourselves with the best practices in other cities. At City Hall, we must emphasize a new management approach, one that is customer focused and one that tells the Riverside story. We must know our customers and meet their needs. We must unleash the energy, talent, and creativity of City employees. We must focus on what we do best-and make it better. The Public Utility Department must set the new standard; other City departments should follow. We must deliver innovative, effective, and notably customer friendly services. As Mayor, I pledge to continue civility in city governance. Governing magazine recently had a cover story titled "The Collapse of Civility in Local Government." Bv contrast, civility is alive and well in Riverside. Mayor's kudos to the members of the City Council