I have received numerous calls and e-mails regarding the City’s budget. Many citizens are concerned about cuts in the budget, including the branch libraries and the Evanston Community Media Center (ECMC). I want to be clear that I am keeping an open mind on all pending budget-related decisions. Over the next several weeks, I plan to carefully analyze the data related to the budget before casting my vote.

As many of you may know, I ran for Ninth Ward Alderman on a platform to balance the budget and support decisions that enable the City of Evanston to live within its means.  I believe it is extremely important to preserve the City's long term fiscal health, which may require making difficult and potentially unpopular financial decisions.

I appreciate the feedback I have received these past few weeks and encourage you to continue to contact me and other elected officials with fresh ideas and suggestions—it is this civic participation that makes our community strong.