The Long Beach mayor is pointing his finger directly at Sacramento.

Bob Foster, Long Beach’s mayor, said in his 2010 State of the City address that if the city is going to see a brighter future, it has to start with standing up to the state of California.

From the Long Beach Press Telegram: “On this point, let me be very clear – the most immediate threat to the financial stability of this city is raids on our general fund by Sacramento,” Foster said.

Foster used the spotlight to put his support behind an effort by the California League of Cities to stem the outgoing flow of local funds to the

“While I usually oppose such draconian ballot measures, candidly, there is now little choice,” Foster said. “Our police and fire departments, streets and roads, park programs and libraries need to be protected.”

What’s your take? For those in local government, do you share the sentiments of Foster? Or is the mayor simply shifting the blame?

E-mail your take to jspencer@publicceo.com or post your comments below.