PRESS RELEASE
February 5, 2005

Pam Slater-Price, current chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, gave the 57th annual State of the County address last night at the newly built Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse on the UCSD campus. With nearly 600 people in attendance, including many of the county's elected officials and other leaders, Chairwoman Slater-Price shared her vision for the county.

Below are several excerpts from her speech:

"For some governments, balancing a budget means shifting dollars from one fund to another. Good management by this Board of Supervisors has produced a different result. Every year we adopt a balanced budget and a reserve fund....Although state cutbacks will make it difficult, let me assure you that I intend to preside over a fiscally sound county. This board will protect taxpayer dollars. We will provide the very best services possible.

"Environmental protection makes good dollars and sense. Our climate and 70 miles of beautiful coastline are among our top attractions....Tourism produces taxes to fix our roads, keep our libraries open, and maintain our parks, among other services. Therefore maintaining our beaches is extremely important to our economy.

"As you may know, I have long been a strong supporter of the arts. The economic value of the arts has always been underestimated. More San Diego residents purchase tickets to arts events that to all San Diego sporting events combined.

"I believe that the elected officials on this stage represent a county team like no other. We are all here to serve you. You can be proud of this team. We know that to provide the best county services at the lowest cost we must continue to be innovative, imaginative and creative."

Among the initiatives that Chairwoman Slater-Price proposed are the following:

• A program that will encourage county employers to help alleviate traffic through programs designed to reduce peak hour driving.
• A health initiative that will focus on childhood obesity and tooth decay.
• A forum to help educate the public about ways to prevent heart disease.
• An environmental initiative that will promote the protection of beaches and the construction of environmentally sensitive buildings.
• A classical music festival that will host events countywide this June.

Supervisor Slater-Price's State of the County Address will be rebroadcast on the County Television Network on the following dates:

Friday, February 4
3:00 PM
Saturday, February 5
9:00 AM
Sunday, February 6
1:00 PM
Sunday, February 6
6:00 PM
Sunday, February 6
10:30 PM
Monday, February 7
10:00 PM
Wednesday, February 16
9:00 AM
Thursday, February 17
5:00 PM
Saturday, February 19
10:00 AM
Saturday, February 19
1:00 PM
Tuesday, February 22
2:00 PM