With Commissioner Gutowski, Tommy Allen and Kristin Salerno at City Hall
Greetings Friends and Neighbors,
2010 has started out as an incredibly busy year. In January, Commissioner LaGrand resigned to run for State Senate. In February we began accepting applications to fill the vacant seat, we had our annual City Commission retreat, and we had a difficult discussion about placing an income tax increase question on the ballot on May 4th. FIrst round interveiws were completed for the Second Ward City Commission seat, with the final four candidates participating in second round interviews the week of March 23rd. In order to provide an opportunity for public input, I am planning a Candidate Forum on March 22 at 7pm at Wealthy Theater. I encourage everyone to come out to participate, ask questions and provide your feedback on the final candidates.
This month we will also begin our 2010/2011 budget discussion. We have a difficult year ahead as we work to transform City government and how services are provided. I will be working closely with my colleagues, community members and city staff to make fiscally sustainable changes and keep our City a great place to live. I welcome your thoughts and input and have posted survey questions about the budget to this website and you are welcome to complete the survey to share your thoughts with me directly.
All input from the community budget meetings can be found at the City's website at www.grcity.us. You will also find information on the current budget, answers to frequently asked questions and a summary of our 12 point plan to transform City government.
These are challenging times that we face, however I am confident that together we can find solutions that maintain our quality of life in our City. If you have questions, thoughts, ideas or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
As tax time gets closer, here is a show I did with Al Mooney discussing City taxes: http://www.archive.org/details/BlissForGr-GrandRapidsTaxes
I remain honored to be serving you,
Rosalynn Bliss
BLISS FOR GR PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION SHOW
"Bliss for GR" is a public access television show that I am hosting that airs throughout the month on Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 25. My goal is to use this forum to inform citizens about important city issues, projects , and events. Upcoming shows include an interview about the upcoming census and an interview with City Commissioner Dave Shaffer. To watch the interview with First Ward Commissioner Dave Shaffer, click the following link:
http://www.archive.org/details/BlissForGr-1stWardDaveSchaffer
BLISS BITS
It is my hope that this website will be a valuable tool in connecting with and engaging individuals within our community. I will be using this website to keep you up-to-date and informed. Please click on the bar to the left to sign up for the periodic E-Newsletter "Bliss Bits".
COFFEE WITH BLISS
Here is the 2010 schedule for my Coffee with Bliss get togethers:
Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30am at Marie Catribs on Lake and Diamond
Monday, April 26th at Noon at Graydon's Crossing on Plainfield Ave
Tuesday, May 18th at 5pm at the Electric Cheetah on Wealthy Street
Wednesday, June 23rd at 7:30am at Wealthy Street Bakery
Monday, July 19th at Noon at Global Infusion on Diamond
Tuesday, August 24th at 5pm at Bagel Beanery on Michigan Street
Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:30am at Common Ground
Thursday, October 21st at 4:30pm at Vitale's Sports Bar on Leonard St.
Tuesday, December 7th at 5pm at Sazerac Lounge on Plainfield Ave.