What are your suggestions for the next city of Madison budget?

Visionary plan needed before budget decided

Before Madison's elected leadership can prepare a "bold city budget," Madison needs a "bold city plan."
What is Madison's mission? Leadership seems to be reactive, not proactive. Witness the confusion about the Edgewater Hotel expansion plans. No one knows if the optional expansion designs fit with the city's plan for the future, because there isn't a plan for the city's future.
Madison's political leadership needs to do two things to get out in front of the budget crunch.
•  Rein in spending. How? Recognize that certain services such as police protection are best done on a metropolitan basis. In addition to the State Patrol, the Dane County Sheriff, university police and the Capitol police, there are several more independent police departments in the greater Madison area. Do we really need that many police departments to keep us safe? A metropolitan police force will not only save Madison taxpayers, but also taxpayers in Middleton, Sun Prairie, Monona, etc.
• Develop a visionary plan for Madison. Have the plan developed by non-elected citizens -- those who know how to run a business and make a profit. Include a few elected officials in the planning process, but let the people lead. With a visionary plan, budgeting becomes more responsible -- not necessarily easier, but proactive and focused on the future.

-- Thomas Miller, Madison

Too many TIF projects, not enough return

The mayor and City Council must stop endorsing TIF money for every new building project that asks for it. And every developer seems to ask for it. If these projects are so promising, let them succeed on their own.
Also, most of these projects are built Downtown, ignoring other parts of the city. This also penalizes unsubsidized businesses.
We are learning now that too much TIF money was spent to build condos. How can TIF investments pay off if the condos can't be sold and retail space remains empty?
Please don't borrow for more expensive construction projects because that just means more debt and deeper future cuts for human services for the poor and needy.

-- David Carrig, Madison