This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Beame, NYC's Budget Director, answers questions.

Marvin Sleeper moderates.

Panelists: Paulette Singer, Geri Trainor, Jim Farrell, Bruno Wassathiel

Questions:

The cause of any budget increasing is the demand that you are trying to meet the needs of the taxpayers. If each citizen were to expect that all the things they're seeking should be done, it's obvious you couldn't print enough money to do it. Inflationary conditions. We have no control over the increasing price, but we must meet it. NYC's management program is the best in the country. Almost half of the budget goes to mandatory items: interest and principle on bonds to build schools and hospitals, pensions, court expenses. Recreation is primarily the parks and cultural institutions like museums; it doesn't include community centers and education. Nuisance taxation. Automobile taxation. Explanation of capital budget.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 72297
Municipal archives id: LT7423