Stockton mayor blunt in State of City address | Events

STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston delivered her annual State of the City speech Thursday afternoon and it offered some bleak analysis.

"All eyes are on Stockton right now for how we deal with the fiscal crisis that will make or break our future," said Johnston.

The mayor was referring to the mediation process between Stockton and its many creditors. The city is hoping many debts will be excused so Stockton can avoid bankruptcy.

"The city of Stockton never set aside a rainy day fund, never had the reserves to go through difficult economic times like this," said Johnston.

A crowd of about a thousand attended the event at the Port of Stockton.

But Johnston supplied some reasons for optimism as well, saying about 50 new police officers should be on the streets of the city over the next several months. 

She also expressed confidence in the city council and city manager to make the difficult economic decisions to keep the city from bankruptcy.

"When we come out of this, we will be stronger and smarter.  We will survive," said Johnston.

Stockton's budget deficit for the next fiscal year is projected to be more than $25 million.

by tdaly@news10.net