Council must lead

San Jose is deep into another budget shortfall and no doubt services will be cut. There is little chance that increased taxes will be imposed to balance the budget. The recovering economy will help, but not any time soon. The largest items in the spending category must be slashed. But even smaller reductions can make a difference.

So why are members of the City Council loathe to leading by example and cutting their own salary? Mayor Reed, Pete Constant, Pierluigi Oliverio, Ash Kalra and Judy Chirco have said they will take a 10 percent reduction. Madison Nguyen, Rose Herrera, Kansen Chu, Nancy Pyle and Nora Campos haven't stepped up. The should be serving the public, not be self-serving.

It's not that a 10 percent cut by all the Council will make a big dent, but it will signify they are willing to share the discomfort they are asking others to endure. Why the hesitation? Each member ran for office vowing to serve the public. I don't recall any one saying they needed a job as the reason for being a candidate for public office.

Another way the council can reduce spending is to refuse the monthly car allowance of $650. Why should they get this perk? Not many businesses provide anything other than reimbursement for mileage when using a privately-owned vehicle. Maybe a CEO or the sales force would get a company car. An allowance that exceeds reasonable transportation costs is unnecessary. Council members should give up or reduce this perk as well taking a cut in pay.