Take a look at the paper today and you’ll see that DeKalb is looking at a potential $40 million budget deficit, and Mayor Franklin is channeling GM and asking for a “federal rescue plan” for their shortfall thanks to the economic slowdown.

So why haven’t we heard similar cries from our own city commission room?  …aside from when the mayor chastised the governor for reneging on the homeowner tax relief grant a couple months back.

Hmm…aside from being fiscally responsible, do you think that THIS might have something to do with it?

So far, Decatur’s housing market is proving more recession resistant than most.  (and yes I see that # of sales are down…but at least average price is UP)

Now I’m not saying that we won’t need to tighten our belts going forward.  Or be more conservative withour revenue…I don’t have the inside scoop on any of this.  But charts like this are somewhat reassuring .

As promised, DecaturGuy has crunched the numbers from last Tuesday’s election for 30030 and reports back that our political makeup is no different than four years ago.

Of those that voted on Election Day, 75% of Decatur residents voted for Obama…though this number excludes early voters.

To see the full analysis, including which Decatur precincts cast the most Democratic and Republican votes click HERE.

h/t: InDecatur

So reports the AJC in an article about the city’s new open forum.

I wonder who could possibly be held responsible for this recent, intense online initiative by the city (cough, cough).

We sure have come a long way since I wrote this back in January as part of a plea to the city to embrace new online technology to improve help improve communication…

I believe that in the 21st century, Decatur residents shouldn’t have to wait for a monthly newsletter or for a questionably factual article to be written in the AJC to find out what going in around town. We want to know about the issues as they are happening, so as many residents as possible know about the destruction of Decatur Stadium or the PATH through Mason Mill Park to be able to speak up about them before its too late. Though this more efficient spread of news and info may at times compel more folks into the commission room at city hall, hopefully they will also better informed.

I also believe that it is in the city’s interest to have a voice in this new, online dialog. City government should be able to respond to issues when things on the internet get too heated or misconstrued. They should use it as a way of getting the word out about events and meetings. Opening this channel will go along way to “improving communication” between the city and its residents, which is a key concern among residents today.

Looking back on it…we’ve seen huge changes in the online space over the past 12 months.  Everyone from city employees to bloggers to online participants are to be commended!