Walker addresses budget concerns
County executive's talkt part of Law School series lates
By James Teats
|
About 50 people from the Marquette community attended Walker's presentation, which is part of the ongoing series, "On the Issues with Mike Gousha."
Gousha, distinguished fellow in law and public policy at the law school, directed the discussion by asking questions for Walker to answer. Audience members were then given time to ask their own questions.
Walker discussed his proposed 2008 budget, as well as law enforcement, county parks, transportation, pension scandals, the court system and his political future. He said the county budget is about $1.3 billion.
Despite the county board's proposals to increase property taxes, Walker said he stands strongly against the idea. He said he opposed the 2007 budget and hopes that the new one will turn out better.
"I believe you can't tax your way out of a problem," Walker said. "You can only control costs."
Walker said he is also against increased sales tax and said transportation improvements should be focused on the bus system.
In addition to raising the bus fare from $1.75 to $2, Walker said consolidating management systems could also help control costs. But he stressed that the county "needs the money desperately to improve and upgrade the current bus system."
Walker also addressed some media criticism brought up by Gousha. A magazine editor had claimed that Walker was not accomplishing the jobs that he was elected into office to accomplish. Throughout the discussion, Walker stressed his goal of representing the public by listening to the concerns and needs of the people of the county.
Published: 9/27/07 Section: News
Be the first to comment on this story