Mayor's costs questioned

Mayor's costs questioned

TANGERANG (JP): A Tangerang mayoralty councillor said here on
Tuesday the proposed expenditures for the mayor in the 2001 draft
budget were unrealistic.

Sadjiran Tarmidzi of the budgetary commission said the Rp
778,200,000 allocated for the mayor's annual expenditures was too
much. "The proposal does not reflect efficiency."

"With that much money, the mayor will receive Rp 68,850,000
for his monthly expenses, including his salary," he said, hinting
that his commission was likely to cut the figure.

"How can a mayor receive that much money when most people live
in poverty?

"As a leader, the mayor should be more responsive to the
difficulties faced by his people," Sadjiran said. (41/sur)