A: They asked for a 5% cut across the board. As long as each department comes across with a 5% reduction, it will bring the budget $7.2 million into line. That's fine. Obviously the Police and Fire departments, I don't feel they have to meet the 5%. Community Development and Public Works are coming in at 8%. One of the biggest reasons we won't have a problem is because managers and executives are taking freezes. Now, as for programs, we're talking about maybe shutting down the Central Library on Thursday nights. In all honesty, as a last resort, if that's what it's going to take, then I am sorry, I will support that. Generally, I'd rather see cutbacks, not cancellations.
Q: Have you gotten any backlash from what you said about not liking the word "Armenian" in the name Armenian Relief Society?
A: No. And it's nothing against the Armenian people. I am Catholic and I wouldn't want to be throwing money at Catholic or Jewish charities. If I came into the community and I saw the Armenian Relief Society, common sense would tell me I would go there if I were Armenian. But they serve other people, too. To be honest, we gave them $4,000. Something is better than nothing, and I wish we could give them more. But there is no disrespect for the Armenian people, whatsoever.
