Coleman Preaches Faith & Partial Solutions

10 TV: Stimulus money flowing into the city will ensure public safety and job training, but the funds will not provide a quick fix for all problems, Mayor Michael Coleman said during his State of the City address on Thursday night.

Coleman gave the speech from newly-renovated East High School. "These stimulus dollars are important, but they will not address our long-term budget difficulties," Coleman said. "To solve that problem we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue."

Coleman said he will continue to work to create jobs in the city. He said some money will be allocated to help the youth find work during the summer. The city stands to receive $6 million through the Central Ohio Workforce Council, and half of that money will be used to hire 2,500 young people this summer. Coleman believes the investment will help young people as well as the city. "We've got to give our young people a chance to do something constructive during the summer months, rather than standing around on a street corner," Coleman said.

The remaining $3 million will be used to train the unemployed and help them find jobs. Coleman said the city can no longer afford to keep cutting the budget. $100 million has already been trimmed and the city is facing another $50 million deficit by the year 2010.

Despite a sagging economy, Coleman said he still has faith that Columbus will pull through. "Even in these difficult times, the state of our city is strong," Coleman said. "I say this not because I am expected to, but because our strength is reflected in our greatest asset, our people."