This time of year, millions of people make those often
hard-to-keep resolutions. You know the ones. I resolve to exercise
more and lose weight, get more organized, spend more time with the
family and save money. Those are often hard to keep, and can lead
to feelings of failure. So, we’ve come up with some
not-so-hard-to-keep resolutions for all of us
This time of year, millions of people make those often hard-to-keep resolutions. You know the ones. I resolve to exercise more and lose weight, get more organized, spend more time with the family and save money.
Those are often hard to keep, and can lead to feelings of failure. So, we’ve come up with some not-so-hard-to-keep resolutions for all of us.
First, the city council needs to resolve to negotiate smarter and tougher with its unions. Granted, they gave up some raises last year, but many still exist. It’s time for the council to remember they work for the 39,000 taxpayers, not the 180 or so employees.
When you tell workers and the public that you are considering raising taxes or using reserves to balance the budget and make up a $775,000 budget deficit, what incentive is there for the unions to come to the bargaining table? You need to tell them that you are not spending vital reserves, nor raising taxes, and that if they don’t come to the table, layoffs will begin immediately.
Second, as a community we need to resolve to become more involved; with our children, our schools, our churches and our government.
We need someone or some group to step up, grab the bull by the horns and form an organization that educates and protects residents from gangs. We need more places for youngsters to go after school and on weekends and we need a place for parents to turn to when they see signs of gang involvement. We need all parents to resolve to keep kids safe.
Third, the city council, staff and developers should resolve to carefully choose the members of the group – who have a broad perspective and can work cooperatively – that will strenuously examine the 16 proposals to begin the redevelopment of downtown and rapidly select the best elements and begin moving forward.
We’ve been hearing about downtown redevelopment for literally decades. With the economy still struggling and labor and materials cheaper than they’ve been in years, now is the time to make quick, intelligent decisions and begin the turnaround.
Fourth, the Santa Clara Valley Water District should resolve to become more transparent, accountable, and apparently law-abiding. After a judge ruled the district illegally collected groundwater charges in violation of Proposition 218 and ordered the district to repay $4.6 million to Great Oaks Water Co., it’s obvious the SCVWD board needs to lead, instead of being led.
Fifth, the school district should resolve to improve communication with teachers, staff and parents.
Effective cooperation between all parties is truly what is needed to unite everyone in the Morgan Hill Unified School District family. The goal is to achieve a better education for all students.
Finally, let’s all resolve to become more cooperative instead of divisive; more caring that hateful.
The tension between bicyclists and motorists needs to be eased, and that’s done with mutual respect. And, while the friendly debate between Live Oak and Ann Sobrato football fans can be good and lead to a healthy rivalry, some of the comments on our Web site surrounding that issue and others got out of hand.
It’s always easier to attack than debate.
We want thoughtful discourse that will advance issues, not distract from them.
Happy New Year!
