Councilman Sal DiCiccio
Ahwatukee Republic
March 21, 2009
Some people have referred to our current financial crisis as the issue that will define our generation. It is certainly the most challenging financial situation that I have ever seen the city of Phoenix face. In times like this, it is very tempting for leaders, both in government and private sector, to focus their efforts primarily on short-term solutions. Certainly we need to act to relieve the hardships confronting families across the city, however we cannot allow short-term relief to compromise long-term results.
As elected officials, we need to focus on the long-term sustainability of our community – we cannot cut our way out of a recession, we can only grow our way out. I think that now, more than ever, we need to take a different, more sustainable approach to budget priorities.
Therefore, as we navigate through this ailing economy and decide how to spend our limited resources, we should focus on where we would like our city to be in the next 5, 10, or 20 years. This is particularly important as Phoenix fights for federal stimulus dollars.
To make this money truly work for our city, these funds should be spent in areas where we can get the maximum return for each dollar spent. I believe this goal will be best accomplished by diversifying our interests and growing into new economies such as solar, bio-fuel, and bio-medical.
As elected officials, we must always explore how we can leave our community in better shape than when we inherited it. These unprecedented times may be the greatest challenge the city has faced, but they also provide an opportunity to re-evaluate our priorities and the way we do business.
I believe that as long as we take a big picture approach and ensure that each and every resource is used to its fullest advantage, we will emerge stronger than ever.
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio represents District 6. He can be reached at 602-262-7491 or council.district.6@phoenix.gov.