Evanston officials — fresh off their big score of $18 million in federal housing funds in January — had high hopes of more largesse from the state and feds when they hired Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Matt Swentkofske in May.
But when Swentkofske made his six-month report to the City Council this week …
Typical
Another typical Evanston complaint: cut spending except for my pet (read: pork) project. In the above case, branch libraries.
Do we need a Lobbyist and Lobbying firm?
Do you think it is a good use of the taxpayers money to have hired a lobbyist and a lobbying firm? Cost of the lobbyist = $80,000 Cost of the contract to the lobbying firm = $100,000. These expenses started mid year – they were not even approved in the budget. If you watched the presentation there appears to be little chance to get more funds – at the same time , it is not likely there will be much more pork available, given the economic conditions of the state and federal government.
How many people do you think support spending money on a lobbyist and lobbying firm, maybe you should come to the council and show youre support? I haven’t heard one citizen at council say these expense are worth the money! I don’t think spending money on these items is necessary when we are cutting the tree planting budget, closing libraries along with many other services.. I thought the Mayor told us in the election she had all these great connections and she could lobby for the city?
Fire More Employees
Junad has an excellent point. Wally Bobkiewicz has hired a bunch of zero-performance sycophants while firing numerous hard-working members of our community. There is something wrong here.