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<br />e <br /> <br />"We are NOT in a fi nanci a 1 cr1 Sl s. But we DO need to manage our resources <br />carefully, as well as manage the services and programs that the city has <br />traditionally provided. We must determine what adjustments need to be made <br />for the years ahead. <br /> <br />"Federal and State funding is shrinking, most local revenues are holding even. <br />At the same time, our growing population puts an increased demand on basic <br />City services. There are new needs. An example might be a library. It is <br />obvious that the community has desires in this direction, and we have a <br />request that will be coming before the council to determine a way to fund <br />that. The council has taken this challenge, and as one of its goals has said <br />that by the end of 1988, weill have a recommendation in that regard. There is <br />no question in my mind, for the 20 years that live been involved in City <br />government based on no ideas in the room that I hear, that Eugene indeed will <br />have a new library. <br /> <br />II I 1 aud the council for its determi nat ion in deal i ng with these fi nanci a 1 <br />issues. They are difficult decisions. This is the first City Council that <br />11m aware of that has taken on the challenge. I want to tell you it is <br />toughlove at its best. <br /> <br />"If we are to live within our means, the council will need your support. We <br />must all put aside our special interests, and act in the community's <br />interests. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />"We will continue the Celebration and the Eugene Sports Program. How those <br />items are funded will change, but our support for them will not. They are <br />important, integral parts of this community, and we must determine ways to do <br />them. In asking for your support, I ask those people that are affected by <br />these adjustments and cuts to first look to themselves for answers before they <br />look to the City. We need your help, and the only way we can move ahead with <br />financial stability is with your help and with your support. <br /> <br />"And whi 1 e money is tight, there are many issues that we must face up to in our <br />community. As we work to build the physical base in this town--the airport, <br />the research park, beautiful entryways, good streets--we must confront the <br />social problems as well: <br /> <br />liThe massive drug problems that threaten our youth and lead to further crime <br />and fear must be dealt with. <br /> <br />"Another experience I had in 188 was a letter I received, again just a few <br />weeks ago, from a 14-year-old girl. And she wanted to address the Mayor about <br />her di sappoi ntment of the shops downtown and on West 7th who sell drug <br />paraphernalia. And she asked that we do something. Now that situation has <br />existed for a long time, and we have not yet faced up to the issues but our <br />concerns about the constitutionality have been in there. It is not clear that <br />we have an option to do this. Well, in answering that 14-year-old girl, I will <br />ask the City Council within the next month to direct the City Attorney's <br />Office to prepare an ordinance that will eliminate or diminish the ability to <br />sell drug paraphernalia in Eugene. We will need your support on that one. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />January 4, 1988 <br /> <br />Page 9 <br />