Rey,

I recently received some missives from several Council candidates and would like to take this opportunity to correct several incorrect facts about our current budget process.

First, the budget from last years Capital Improvement Budget does indeed show what appears to be a reduction in funding for QCC. This years budget proposal has not been put forward as yet. Of course the object of public budget review is to craft a responsible, forward looking Capital Budget that invests in our future. For example, the funding for the Quality Community Council is not cut in last years Capital Improvement budget. Instead, what is reflected is the agreement between the QCC, the Council, and the Community from a series of widely attended public process two years ago. At that time, the Council and a very involved community set forth funding for QCC at $250,000 over a two year period. This continued significant funding for QCC from the year before that effectively established the QCC. This years funding level is to help sustain the QCC staff with the challenge that the QCC, like the Jefferson School groups, seek a variety of other resources to sustain their/our vision. The latest reports that are publicly known is that they are well on the way. For me, and I believe the Council, the QCC is a very important initiative that is community grown with the deep support of the City. It will continue and it will be a shining example of our progressive vision for the City. But it should not be solely a government program. It should be dynamic and find its future through balanced and broadly spread funding sources.

The Paramount theater was given $500,000 in Capital funding several years ago. $250,000 of this funding has already been paid with the second payment due when the project is underway. Although in tough times this funding appears to off need, it certainly is not. The future dividends paid to the City by this wonderful project will far outstrip the investment that we made. It should also be noted that, the Council made a commitment to invest this money and as in other arenas of commitment this should not be backed away from. Additionally, City money matches an equal sum given by the Albemarle County Board and our monies leverage over $13 million in money received from private sources. What better commitment could we live up too.

Finally, I addressed in a previous note the City's efforts in Small business development and economic development. This area has clearly been one that I and Council have put our money where our mouth is and we have supported and funded numerous initiatives, programs, and Department's. The facts are that we have at least five business incubation programs in place in a variety of business model types and funded in the 100's of thousands of dollars.

Thanks again for all of your efforts Rey,

Blake Caravati (electronic mail, February 10, 2002)