Let's run the city like a business
The city is in big trouble financially. The utility user's tax did not pass, and the city needs over $1 million to keep it running the way it is. Cuts need to be made. People need to be laid off. Rash decisions are running rampant, and the employees of the city are all wondering who is going to get the ax. My god, is this any way to run a city?
If I ran my business like this, I would have gone broke years ago. If things get tight (and they do), I gather my people together and lay out a plan to make it work. I cut unnecessary spending, I look for ways to save without destroying my company, and most important, I look for ways to make more money.
It seems to me that our city is not looking very clearly right now at our options. In the paper, I read that two Japanese gardeners from Hakone Gardens were on the cut list. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face! What we have here in Saratoga is a gold mine of opportunities to be financially self-sufficient. Hakone Gardens is one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens I have ever seen. If we use it as a source for income at an appropriate rate for services, we will generate a huge revenue. For example, weekend weddings should be charged and serviced similar to other high-end wedding places. Open up the buildings for these opportunities. During the week, companies in this wealthy Silicon Valley are always looking for retreat centers. Let's fill up the parking lot that we now charge for. Opportunities are there if we open up our eyes.
We don't need to tear down the city to save money. We need to crack the whip and make it work. Redirect these city employees who now feel threatened to efforts that will generate income. Let's run this city like a business!
Blair Glenn
owner, Saratoga Tree Service
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, April 16, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.