FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sandra Johnson 407-246-3011

DISTRICT 1 COMMISSIONER PHIL DIAMOND 
CANCELS PICNIC IN LIGHT OF CITY BUDGET CONCERNS

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 12, 2003) -- Orlando City Commissioner Phil Diamond announced today that the annual District 1 Picnic scheduled for Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2003, has been cancelled.

“I could not justify the expenditure of tax dollars for the picnic in light of the new budget information provided to me yesterday. Although the City Commission recently approved $10 million of budget cuts, this new information makes it clear that we still have many difficult choices ahead of us. We all need to make sacrifices for the good of our city and community,” said Diamond. 

“My predecessor held many successful picnics which were positive community events. I regret that we will not be holding the picnic at this time, but I think public officials need to lead by example. The example I hope to set today is that we will make difficult and unpopular choices now to ensure that Orlando will continue to be a great place to live and work in the future.” 

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