Riordan Seeks Panel on Bond Measure

Saying he believes that a massive bond measure package needs more analysis and time to build community support, Mayor Richard Riordan called Wednesday for a blue-ribbon panel to recommend a comprehensive ballot measure.

The mayor’s proposal, which he made in a letter sent to City Council members Wednesday, essentially preempts the work of a council committee charged with deciding on the bond package. That panel, which met for the first time Tuesday, is scheduled to meet again this morning.

Riordan said, however, that he supports one proposal for the November ballot: a $168.6-million bond to expand and build 32 library branches. That proposal, about two years in the works, also received the most council support as well.

“I firmly believe it is better to move methodically toward success than to rush to failure,” Riordan said in his letter. “We have a responsibility to taxpayers [to provide] adequate oversight.”

Council members also questioned the timing and size of the ballot measures--estimated at $2.2 billion--being proposed by the fire and police departments as well as requests for sidewalks and a fiber-optic cable network.

Riordan, who has discussed the issue with Council President John Ferraro, said the blue-ribbon panel would consist of nine citizens appointed by his office as well as by Ferraro. They would be people with expertise in finance, labor and construction.

The panel would be charged with prioritizing the city’s needs, recommending a comprehensive bond package and ensuring that projects are completed and on budget.