Have You Told NYC How To Save Money Today?

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Last fall, the city began accepting online suggestions on how NYC can save some desperately needed money; now, four months later, they have revealed highlights of those money-saving, pleb-originated ideas on their website. Let's take a look at the top three most suggested things:

62 people wrote in to request the city turn off lights in city buildings at night. In a related story, just last week the city announced plans to spend $708 million replacing leaking PCB lights at 772 public school buildings.
37 people wrote in to suggest that the city reduce the number of city vehicles, including take-home vehicles for city workers. They say that making the city's 26,000 vehicle fleet more efficient could save up to $71 million over the next four years. 12 people also suggested the city make its fleet more energy efficient.
27 people wrote in to suggest that the city centralize or reform the process by which the city purchases goods and services from outside sources. They say that Bloomberg has proposed a series of state law changes meant "to eliminate costly and burdensome procurement mandates imposed by the State," but we're a little skeptical about this one.

There were several other suggestions, such as reducing the amount of bottled water in city agencies, consolidating unused city property, and our favorite: one person suggested setting all printers to print double-sided automatically. This actually seems reasonable! They are still accepting ideas on how to penny-pinch here. Of course, this isn't the only crowd-sourced, problem-solving website out there for NYC: we're especially excited to see the results of the "Give A Minute" program, part of PlaNYC2030, which gives residents the chance to make suggestions such as, "would like to develop my ability to drink three margaritas at lunch, every day."

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By Ben Yakas in News on March 2, 2011 6:39 PM

Comments [rss]

souper_crackers

I've said it once, I'll say it again: the city could make a lot of money by ticketing litterers. I'm really tired of seeing people throwing their straw/cigarette/food wrappers wherever they please. I seldom see this level of disrespect in other cities.

HypocraticOath

Spend less, tax the rich at a higher rate, and introduce congestion pricing. You're welcome.

spiv

No salaries for elected officials, and no pensions. Legit expenses while in office, as well as health insurance, with 6 months coverage after they leave office after no more than 2 terms.

inoyourider

Here's how austerity should work:

Cut the pensions of all politicians and government employees and cut salaries as well.
Trimming the budget should begin with our elected public officials and their offices, not our teachers, policemen, and firefighters.

Most politicians are already privately wealthy (and the rest steal while in office) so why should the taxpayers continue to be required to fund their retirement?

Absolutely NO raises for any government employees while we are operating at a deficit. These people are responsible for this mess, they should be the first to suffer for it.

Absolutely NO cuts in service to taxpayer's or cuts to public service employees (like teachers, police, firefighters) should be allowed until the government sector has owned up to its responsibility, and done the lion's share of the necessary budget trimming.

cmdrogogov

This would excerberate the 'independently wealthy politician' problem - ensuring absolutely nobody that can't already afford to bankroll an early retirement would run for public office.