Vallejo, Calif., which emerged from bankruptcy two years ago, is trying a novel approach to setting part of its budget: having the public decide, the Associated Press reported yesterday. The city of Vallejo let residents over the age of 16 vote in May on how to spend about $3.2 million. Taxpayers were allowed to pick from 33 projects, with the top 12 sharing the money. The winners included pothole and street repair, community gardens and streetlights.
