With a new city council seated, now’s a good time to review a
few items that ought to top the new council’s priority list
With a new city council seated, now’s a good time to review a few items that ought to top the new council’s priority list:
Transparency: The city has taken steps in the right direction on this, with a prime example being the posting of city employee salaries on its website. We think there’s more work to be done, with videotaping closed sessions the next logical step.
There’s a large temptation during closed session for conversation to move into areas that ought to be discussed in public. Rolling videotape during closed session will encourage council members to stay on topic so that they always conduct the people’s business in front of the people.
Think long term: When it comes to much-needed projects like redeveloping downtown, including the Granada Theater, and extending Santa Teresa Boulevard, council members need to ignore vocal minorities and remember the important long-term benefits that these projects will bring to this community.
Think beyond retail: While empty storefronts are noticeable, what’s more important is attracting companies that bring jobs that pay living wages. While retail jobs are great for teenagers, for the most part, they’re not going to be able to live on their own on retail wages.
Instead, focus on creating “basic employment” or “career” jobs. Every basic employment job in a community creates 2.5 service jobs to support it. Create basic employment, retail will follow.
Incubate new businesses: The odds of attracting a major employer with lots of basic employment jobs are low.
We shouldn’t abandon the effort, we should improve and supplement it. We need to ensure that the Chamber, the Downtown Association, and the RDA are working in a coordinated, creative and enthusiastic manner.
We need representatives who are excited about Morgan Hill and willing to make cold calls, when necessary, to share what we have to offer. We’re doubtful that’s the case at the moment.
In addition, let’s use RDA money to incubate new businesses that are Morgan Hill born and bred. The best way to get the next Apple or Genentech or Tesla in Morgan Hill is to make it more appealing for businesses to start here than anywhere else.
Best wishes to the new council.
