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Politics & Government

Mayor Lewis Gives His Final State of the City Address

The presentation highlights budget issues and takes a look at the future of the city.

Carlsbad Mayor Claude A. "Bud" Lewis gave his annual State of the City Address Aug. 30 at Carlsbad City Library in the Ruby G. Schulman auditorium. The address was a special affair for the mayor, because it was his last. After 40 years in Carlsbad politics, he is retiring. 

Lewis said he prefers not to make speeches and instead chose to show a video presentation, as he has in his past addresses. He highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the city's affairs and introduced the candidates who are vying for his job. Lewis encouraged voters to research the candidates and donate money and time for the candidate of their choice.

He said that the city was in a time of change and four issues would be important in the upcoming election: the direction and vision of the new mayor, water issues, the union influence on the City Council, and local Proposition G, which if passed would allow voters to decide any proposed future increases in the safety employee pension benefit formula. The mayor is for the proposition, as are four of the five City Council members. 

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The mention of Proposition G laid the groundwork for the main issue of the mayor's presentation, the current economic crisis. In the video, Lewis said because of the current economic crisis, the focus needs to move from growth to management. An important point stressed was that there would be no cuts to the most important basic services: parks, libraries and public safety. The city of Carlsbad is unique because it projects the budget 10 years into the future. Mentioned as a cause of budget problems were lower taxes, which means lower revenue for the city, and therefore a smaller city budget. To combat the crisis, the city eliminated 25 positions by offering early retirement and cutting positions that were not filled. 

The video also had descriptions of several projects in the works, including development of new technologies, conservation programs and renewable energy. Also discussed were replacing old drains, recycling water, reservoir maintenance, and a new traffic management program.

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The video ended with the mayor encouraging local shopping to bring in more city revenue. Lewis encouraged all citizens to stay involved. As he put it simply, "God has blessed Carlsbad."

 

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