ReaderWire ReaderWire (February 04, 2005)

Saving space

While no single action will solve Palo Alto's budget problems, may I suggest the following for a start: Limit all traffic-calming projects for the next year or two to a $5,000 maximum.

This will allow for creative use of signs and temporary restrictions, but reduce the chance of seriously divisive and expensive solutions that may have to be torn out anyway.

It will also free up considerable time for neighborhood activists and considerable space in the Weekly's "Letters" section.
Janice Hough
Bryant Street, Palo Alto

Health and safety first

The government of the City of Palo Alto exists to provide for public health and safety by maintaining a fire department, a police department, and such other services as may be required to maintain the public buildings, streets and facilities.

No city funds may be diverted from these primary functions until they have been fully funded.
Walter E. Wallis
Waverley Street, Palo Alto

Top priority

Responsible budget management should be the city's number-one priority, with the adoption of zero-based budgeting a good starting point, along with a serious commitment to reducing the cost of staff, especially benefits and pension costs.
Michael Reynolds
Castilleja Avenue, Palo Alto

Auto propaganda

Just like Joel Henner wrote (Weekly, Jan. 19), I also don't like people using their cars for "over-the-top" and vulgar propaganda for one issue or another. I happen to not like President Bush, but the language on some bumper stickers is inappropriate.

There is a guy in my neighborhood who parks his truck outside Abortion clinics. His vehicle is covered with pictures of aborted fetuses. What does he thinks he gets out of this inappropriate behavior?
Dieter Hurni
8th Avenue, Redwood City

A risky scheme

President Bush tried to sell us a lemon in his address Wednesday night (Feb. 2). His is a risky Social Security privatization scheme.

I know the dangers of investing, which guarantees benefits for brokers but could destroy many people's security net. If not by bad investments, then by hidden fees that would have to be paid.

Social Security is not failing. The facts are that Social Security can meet 100 percent of its obligations for the next 37 years with no changes to the current system, according to the Social Security Administration itself.

There are things we should do to make Social Security stronger, but the president's own privatization plan would unravel our nation's most successful anti-poverty program.

One possibility -- if he and others who earn more than $90,000 a year paid Social Security tax on all of their income -- like I do -- we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Harve Citrin
Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto

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