It was a feature during their campaigns, and now that they are getting ready to take over, budget concerns are on the mind of the newly-elected city aldermen.

Third Ward Alderman-elect Kristen Lash, said the first thing she wants is to cut the Washington lobbyist, Patricia Daley, when the contract is up between the lobbyist and the city.

“We are spending $72,000 a year and barely getting anything out of it,” Lash said.

The reason Lash wants to cut the lobbyist contract is because she said she feels the lobbyist is not holding to the contract and the money could be spent better.

“We have never seen a comprehensive analysis of what [Daley] is doing for us in Washington,” Lash said.

Daley has been the lobbyist for DeKalb for at least 14 years, said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen.

“She works with congressmen to help secure monies for DeKalb,” Povlsen said. “She has been able to generate millions of dollars for us particularly in transportation, specifically for the airport.”

The contract will be re-evaluated when it is up in 2012, Povlsen said.

“We will evaluate the cost benefits and have a good discussion about it,” Povlsen said.

Fifth Ward Alderman Ron Naylor, who was re-elected, said he is waiting for the budget meeting on May 2 to comment fully, but the budget is a top concern.

“About 86 percent of our budget is personnel costs,” Naylor said. “We will look at staffing and programs, but I hope not to do any personnel reductions.”

First Ward Alderman-elect David Jacobson said some city departments are understaffed. He also voiced agreement that cutting the lobbyist contract should also be looked into.

“We need to cut back on frivolous things now for a year or two,” Jacobson said. “This includes our lobbyist as well as subscription services and conventions.”

Jacobson and Lash also said public safety cannot be what is scaled back.

“Public safety, including social services, is my top priority for the budget,” Lash said.

Seventh Ward Alderman-elect Monica O’Leary was unavailable for comment as of press time.