County Budget Fight a Battle Royale
Budget meeting tonight may end in broken hearts, jaws
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Carlos Alvarez is aching for a fight.
With more than $444 million in deficits facing the county, everything and everyone will be a target going into tonight's final budget hearing.
That includes the people there reporting on the action.
Mayor Carlos Alvarez's across the board pay cuts have come under fire by those that make the least in the county, particularly in the wake of news he approved raises for those that make some of the heftiest salaries.
But the usually mild-mannered Alvarez struck back Thursday with a press conference aimed at not tackling budget issues, but reporters.
Most of the attacks were aimed at the Miami Herald, who reported that the mayor was giving raises willy nilly to fire officials and police commanders despite the looming budget shortfall.
"Maybe we should take more advice from the Miami Herald," Alvarez said. "They have a virtually monopoly and is going bankrupt."
Ouch! Somebody ring the bell because that was a blatant low blow.
But fighting words might turn into literal fights as hundreds of disgruntled people have already started to arrive at county hall. Many are county workers looking to hold on to their jobs and hard-earned cash. Alvarez has proposed a five-percent pay cut.
With tensions running high, the gloves will definitely be off. Let's hope no one gets hurt.
Posted Thursday, Sep 17, 2009 - 5:23 PM EST
