I see where I posted D&D Dogs on Dempster---I got it confused with the Wiener & Still Champion...D&D is on Noyes and I dont know a thing about the joint---never been there--but the Wiener on Dempster is extremely good!
"I hope the City Council will start to exercise the good judgment exhibited by our City Manager in limiting the number of relatively inconsequential issues that end up on their agenda."
I wonder how Alderman Fiske can reconcile her position on the sidewalk peddlers with her position on the Halloween pop-up store on Sherman Ave.
If I understand correctly, she thinks that sidewalk peddlers on Central St. are good (even though they compete with two stores on Central and the sellers inside the stadium), but she thinks that the Halloween store on Sherman is bad because it takes business away from the Hallmark store (which is, coincidentally, across the street from her store).
Would the Halloween store be more acceptable if the business were done on the sidewalk on Sherman Ave? Would the peddlers on Central St. be less desirable if they conducted their business on Saturdays inside empty stores on Central or if they set up temporary stalls on the empty field at Central & Eastwood?
Enquiring minds are puzzled by this apparent contradiction.
Now let's focus on some of the serious issues facing our community.
While I know our elected officials often want to address everyones' issue they must be cognizant that in doing so there is less time and energy to address significant issues such as budget deficits, economic development, deteriorating infrastructure, etc.
I hope the City Council will start to exercise the good judgment exhibited by our City Manager in limiting the number of relatively inconsequential issues that end up on their agenda.
Now is the time we need our elected officials to step up and lead with good judgment and courage.
I understand that some industries do change and jobs become obsolete. But which City jobs are you suggesting fall into the buggy whip category? The people who fight fires, protect our citizens, care for our children at community centers, inspect our buildings, trim our trees, repair our computer equipment? There are an awful lot of services provided to the citizens of this community - I'm wondering which ones you've decided we no longer need.
Wait a minute. If there is a current ordinance that requires property owners pay a $20 rental registration fee, then there is a system in place for the city to know about rented property.
So we(city) are considering an ordinance to enforce an ordinance? Maybe we should create a blanket ordinance that requires the city to enforce its ordinances.
Property Standards Division simply needs to ask the very efficient Parking Division on how to enforce "ordinances" and the problem will be solved.
How many complaints does property standards receive anyway? This ordinance will not reduce the behavior or complaints and I question the real net revenue value to the city.
Let's get on page with our new city manager Wally Bab's issue prioritization project which has just been outlined and honed by city staff and city council and all the little issues will fall into place as city efficiency improves..
I'm sure all of the taxpayers who have lost their jobs or had reductions in pay and benefits over the past year will understand that city employees greatly deserve these raises. Clearly, the compensation of these city workers should not be subject to the whims of "the economy", "budget shortfalls" or "supply and demand" because the services they provide are quite frankly invaluable. Anyone not able to comprehend that must have a screw loose.
I'm just wondering why the city didn't give them larger raises and more benefits because they are doing such a swell job!
Thanks for your opinions. I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment of the various restaurants listed. The point of my post was to respond to Anonymous's claim that no one was aware of any other burger joints in the downtown area, not that there were too many of them.
"Burger joint" to me is any place with counter service where you can order a take-out burger. You can get one at Heckey's, you can get one at Al's and you can definitely get one at Uber Burger. There are several others (listed), and while they may or may not do burgers well and may or may not be greasy, they are direct competition for Edzo's.
Having said all that, Edzo's is awesome and is in my opinion the best out of the bunch. I think his restaurant is a great addition to our community and I will be a frequent diner.
It sounds to me the key to fiscal responsibility here is the renegotiation of union contracts.
Can the city do away with the sweet pension pay these unions get?
How about doing away with the unions altogether and let city officials purge staff and hire non-union employees. That way, it will be easier to consolidate overlapping positions and let go of the unproductive employees who are now protected behind the shield of unsustainable union agreements that make it nearly impossible to fire or layoff union employees, resulting in the gradual bloating of government staff and services.
Mr Who writes " Now is the time to fix the Purple Line and build a new Civic Center."
Mr Who still believes the city should come up with $100 million dollars to rebuild the Civic Center.
Who does he think will pay for this? Does Mr Who want his taxes raised? Does Mr Who think the stimulus funds are someone elses money? That is does Mr NPV think he is not paying income taxes?
To say there's an over abundance of "greasy spoon" burger joints in Downtown Evanston is laughable...I have to strongly side side with Anonymous here---"you would prefer another coffee/tea house? Because there surely aren't enough of them! Or maybe another asian place? Perhaps an all natural, 'earthy' gluten free diner?"---well stated--:D
What some might call greasy burger joints or fast food is way off---one writer here lists some--my opinions follow
D&D Dogs---(its on Dempster but must be noted--4 star joint)
Wild Dogz---(downtown but a forgetable eating experience)
Uber Burger--(huh?--this aint no greasy burger joint)
Al's Italian Beef---(overrated)
Heckey's--(also not downtown and definately not a burget joint)
Gigio's Pizzaria---(sort of a burger joint but not realy--and quality has slumped considerably over the years)
I look forward to trying Edzos and wish them all the best--Viva La Grease!...final note---the early closing time is a bummer---we need a quality late night chicago style hot dog/burger joint in downtown---so it goes.
Interesting---looks like Michele and I went to pretty much the same kind of school--a relic of days gone by and probably for the best I guess---there's very few pro's I can recall about the nuns methods of intimidation, humiliation, and use of the ruler without fear of reprisal---Except in my day the pointer stick was pretty much the nuns weapon of choice---It had more reach, was easier to wield, and delivered far more significant results.
After being paroled to D-65 sometime in the mid to late 60's, I had a gym teacher at Nichols who was highly adept with a thick leather strap--I almost completed all three years without experiencing the sting of this wicked weapon but one day near end of 8th grade, prety much the entire male gym class I was in acted up during teacher's brief absence from class...Upon returning he decided it was best to just give evey kid a whack on the backside with strap as opposed to figuring who'd been naughty or nice--we were lined up against the gym wall, gym shorts pulled down to knees, and each given our just rewards...Mom happened to notice the rasised red welt just below my bottom a few days later and freaked---I told her to forget it--everyone in class has one--she wasn't happy but chose to follow my wishes---None of us except maybe a few weenies would ever want mom's whiny intervention here for sake of honor--it's just the way things were in those days...A few years later while at ETHS I heard the leather strap had been retired---a whiny mom finally kicked up a big enough fuss no doubt--it was inevitable---the times they were a changing.
Fast forward many years later---I worked at D-65 in the role as a special education teaching assistant---during this rewarding 12 year stint I can't say kids changed much from my school days---most good, some not so good, and some just downright awful...The only really noticeable difference from my perpective was level of all around "good manners" was higher in my day but the teachers can't be faulted for that--learning good manners comes from the home...Hence I guess is why programs like PBIS were initiated---If anyone thinks PBIS is effective is kidding themselves---I cant recall any kid ever taking it seriously...I did however very much notice part of this program calls for (as one writer here pretty much states) that kids are to sit like robots in class---it doesnt work and its irrational to think of any such program ever being effective---the emphasis on kids sittng quietly at their desks while being drilled to learn how to pass tests is non-produtive--and goes against the grain of Evanston's tradition of a unique learning experience---one where the arts and creative teaching methods are employed...Good class room behavior is all about teachers---some have that special knack knowing how to keep a civil obediesnt room, and some dont---the key objective for the district is to find and keep teachers who know how---and quit fussing around with goofy programs---just my two cents and worth exactly that
I think that having a retailer in an otherwise large empty storefront on a major downtown street (albeit temporarily) is good. If Hallmark is "in trouble" because a store that will be around for 2 months opened up a few blocks away, then Hallmark isn't doing something right and needs to re-evaluate it's business model.
I don't want to see businesses like Hallmark close, but the idea that the city should limit new business so that an existing store such as Hallmark can retain exclusive rights to a market is ridiculous.
I'm confused. How does Fiske think that the temporary halloween costume store is "harming the business" of the Hallmark card store, located a couple of blocks away?
Costumes. Cards. Costumes. Cards.
Gee, I don't see how these two products compete. Unless the card shop sells costumes. But if it does, is that the core business product? I don't think so.
Even more, I say so what. What's wrong with a little competition?
It seems our city leaders keep micromanaging everything and want to decide who can and can not operate a business in Evanston.
That, my friends, goes against he tenets of the free marketplace.
I've tried to support that particular Hallmark shop and found it dusty, poorly stocked, and pricey. I'm not a fan of "pop-up" and seasonal shops (and generally their prices are not great either), but the Hallmark shop could make more of an effort to present an inviting store...
Anonymous wrote:
"In fact, I suggest that the employees of the City are costing you considerably less than those in the private sector that you continue to cite as a model. I suggest you compare the salaries of those who work in technology, for example, at the City with a comparable position in the private sector and see who makes more."
===================
Most analysis has shown that public employees cost more than private for the same job. Unions for public jobs backed by Davis-Bacon [which was suppose to set public at private but in fact made them more generous for public and harder for government to layoff or limit] and government promising benefits they cannot pay, have pushed up costs.
=================
Community centers were mentioned. I don't oppose or begrudge seniors the Levy Center but I always thought it odd that if the city really thought it important that they moved it to where it is---much harder to get to esp. for a group that is less able/allowed to drive as they age. Yet there are several community centers for children to adults. Perhaps these centers and the library can take over for the Levy since there are more and should be more convenient.
========================
Is the golf course paying fair property tax, rent for land taken out of public use, taxes ? I see people walk up and drive up to 'holes' and start playing---instead of starting at #1. Are they suppose to have a tag on their bags showing they have paid their fee ? Are there suppose to be spot inspections by golf personnel on the course to make sure fees are paid ? I've never seen that.
"Why not close the library and the community centers on the weekends? Keep the beaches closed in the mornings? Only sell City stickers between 9-4? How many services are you willing to sacrifice with these "costly" employees?
I like the idea of cutting our city budget, but I am afraid that the city's budget cuts - and the cuts by thousands of other state and municipal governments - will cancel out the effect of the stimulus . Maybe now is not a good time for budget cuts. This would be a great time for construction work by the city, since we can probably get good deals in this market. Now is the time to fix the Purple Line and build a new Civic Center.
Still, you have some good ideas above. The branch libraries are the obvious choice for cuts. Community centers? What are those for? Maybe they should be open on weekends, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays...or have hours cut back. Keep the beaches closed in the mornings - good idea. City stickers - sell those online, and charge a $5 "inconvenience fee" for people who pick them up at the decrepit Civic Center.
RacerX you seem to think that the people employed by the City are on the public dole. No one is asking you to "support" people and their families with public funds. We're asking you to pay for the services that those employees provide. They work just as hard as you do for their money. (Maybe even harder - because they're not posting comments online during working hours.)
In fact, I suggest that the employees of the City are costing you considerably less than those in the private sector that you continue to cite as a model. I suggest you compare the salaries of those who work in technology, for example, at the City with a comparable position in the private sector and see who makes more.
I understand that we have to have cuts to balance the budget. Fine - have furloughs. But when you cut the hours of the employees, I hope that you remember to cut the hours of service available to the citizens. Why not close the library and the community centers on the weekends? Keep the beaches closed in the mornings? Only sell City stickers between 9-4? How many services are you willing to sacrifice with these "costly" employees?
Many residents are old enough to remember when trains switch from coal to oil, but union rules forced companies to keep a 'firebox' engineer on board anyway, as they also required a caboose steward for years after cabooses had been dropped. We called this 'featherbedding.'
At one time I'm sure some company made the finest buggy whips around, but their day passed and so did the company but probably long after the stockholders had been wiped out.
As far as I know city government has not been this backward and I certainly hope there is no featherbedding---but wait.
If the city is unwilling to make economic decisions instead of those based on a college freshman's ideology then we are doomed. [Recall how NU pressed for the Research Park and the council only wanted to debate it being a nuclear free zone, until NU's projections and arguments won out---you know how that turned out. If the council had spent more time on economics instead of freshman ideology we might have got a better---economical, jobs, city reputation---for the Park.]
Not heartless at all. But if we look at government as a business model (which the Council has to do during budget planning) then unfortunately the human asset has to be included in the discussion.
I would love to hear some of your solutions to the deficit issue.
I am generally a idealist, but when governments act in a fiscally reckless manner I have to become a realist. Government should not exist to provide a workers paradise. It needs to exist to service the citizens that have spawned it. Agreed that this takes the human element to implement. But if the balance between services and workers becomes unsustainable or imbalanced towards one end, then something has to give.
I worry about my private sector job just as I would suspect many others due. I don't have the luxury of public funds supporting me and my family. No one like the thought of people losing their jobs. But sometimes you just have to face up to reality.
Hopefully you will be as compassionate to me as you are towards city workers if I should lose my job in the near future.
4th of July parade probably brings in revenue to the city but do:
downtown art festival bring in sales taxes, more sales for downtown vendors, revenue from art sales to Evanston artists or going to out-of-town artists [I realize with this and other events that if we limit to Evanstonians, communities might exclude Evanstonians] or instead discourage people from coming downtown for crowds ?
same for cultural and lake side art festivals
bike race---any revenue increase or crowds scare people away
As usual branch libraries have been ignored. Why south and north---aren't west side and southwest in at least as great a need both because of public transportation and need for reading resources ? If southwest and west do 'need', why south and north ?
Review business and building policy so potential business and builders want to come in, face reasonable taxes and not have council and zoning groups battle with them for years. Does the council and zoning groups have a death wish for the city ?
Thanks, RacerX. Sounds like your feeling very complacent in your job and content to recommend job losses for others. Did it ever occur to you that those employees have families who rely on their incomes? Perhaps they own homes in Evanston which they may lose without jobs? I would certainly hope the City would look for less drastic ways to make cuts than laying off 25 people.
I might also point out to the taxpayers of Evanston that furloughs and layoffs are not cost-free. Cutting staff time means cutting services. Unless of course the City wasn't to pay more insurance and mental health care costs for an overworked employee base.
Had lunch there today and while I had to wait pretty long for my order because they were really busy, the burger and fries were great when they finally did arrive at my table.
This guy really knows his stuff, and the burgers are fantastic.
I recommend the first three ideas. This is happening in the private sector across the country and should be no different for government. We can learn to live with a cutback in some city services until the economy begins to move forward.
Wage freeze. Furloughs. Layoffs. Sounds like a good start to me.
Any bets on which idea the Council will default to?
I see where I posted D&D Dogs on Dempster---I got it confused with the Wiener & Still Champion...D&D is on Noyes and I dont know a thing about the joint---never been there--but the Wiener on Dempster is extremely good!
Gerald McGrew wrote:
"I hope the City Council will start to exercise the good judgment exhibited by our City Manager in limiting the number of relatively inconsequential issues that end up on their agenda."
I wonder how Alderman Fiske can reconcile her position on the sidewalk peddlers with her position on the Halloween pop-up store on Sherman Ave.
If I understand correctly, she thinks that sidewalk peddlers on Central St. are good (even though they compete with two stores on Central and the sellers inside the stadium), but she thinks that the Halloween store on Sherman is bad because it takes business away from the Hallmark store (which is, coincidentally, across the street from her store).
Would the Halloween store be more acceptable if the business were done on the sidewalk on Sherman Ave? Would the peddlers on Central St. be less desirable if they conducted their business on Saturdays inside empty stores on Central or if they set up temporary stalls on the empty field at Central & Eastwood?
Enquiring minds are puzzled by this apparent contradiction.
Make the unit owners responsible not the Association or the Management companies they have more than enough problems right now with forecloses.
Now let's focus on some of the serious issues facing our community.
While I know our elected officials often want to address everyones' issue they must be cognizant that in doing so there is less time and energy to address significant issues such as budget deficits, economic development, deteriorating infrastructure, etc.
I hope the City Council will start to exercise the good judgment exhibited by our City Manager in limiting the number of relatively inconsequential issues that end up on their agenda.
Now is the time we need our elected officials to step up and lead with good judgment and courage.
I understand that some industries do change and jobs become obsolete. But which City jobs are you suggesting fall into the buggy whip category? The people who fight fires, protect our citizens, care for our children at community centers, inspect our buildings, trim our trees, repair our computer equipment? There are an awful lot of services provided to the citizens of this community - I'm wondering which ones you've decided we no longer need.
Wait a minute. If there is a current ordinance that requires property owners pay a $20 rental registration fee, then there is a system in place for the city to know about rented property.
So we(city) are considering an ordinance to enforce an ordinance? Maybe we should create a blanket ordinance that requires the city to enforce its ordinances.
Property Standards Division simply needs to ask the very efficient Parking Division on how to enforce "ordinances" and the problem will be solved.
How many complaints does property standards receive anyway? This ordinance will not reduce the behavior or complaints and I question the real net revenue value to the city.
Let's get on page with our new city manager Wally Bab's issue prioritization project which has just been outlined and honed by city staff and city council and all the little issues will fall into place as city efficiency improves..
I'm sure all of the taxpayers who have lost their jobs or had reductions in pay and benefits over the past year will understand that city employees greatly deserve these raises. Clearly, the compensation of these city workers should not be subject to the whims of "the economy", "budget shortfalls" or "supply and demand" because the services they provide are quite frankly invaluable. Anyone not able to comprehend that must have a screw loose.
I'm just wondering why the city didn't give them larger raises and more benefits because they are doing such a swell job!
Did you mean another place ?
Thanks for your opinions. I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment of the various restaurants listed. The point of my post was to respond to Anonymous's claim that no one was aware of any other burger joints in the downtown area, not that there were too many of them.
"Burger joint" to me is any place with counter service where you can order a take-out burger. You can get one at Heckey's, you can get one at Al's and you can definitely get one at Uber Burger. There are several others (listed), and while they may or may not do burgers well and may or may not be greasy, they are direct competition for Edzo's.
Having said all that, Edzo's is awesome and is in my opinion the best out of the bunch. I think his restaurant is a great addition to our community and I will be a frequent diner.
It sounds to me the key to fiscal responsibility here is the renegotiation of union contracts.
Can the city do away with the sweet pension pay these unions get?
How about doing away with the unions altogether and let city officials purge staff and hire non-union employees. That way, it will be easier to consolidate overlapping positions and let go of the unproductive employees who are now protected behind the shield of unsustainable union agreements that make it nearly impossible to fire or layoff union employees, resulting in the gradual bloating of government staff and services.
Just sayin.
Mr Who writes " Now is the time to fix the Purple Line and build a new Civic Center."
Mr Who still believes the city should come up with $100 million dollars to rebuild the Civic Center.
Who does he think will pay for this? Does Mr Who want his taxes raised? Does Mr Who think the stimulus funds are someone elses money? That is does Mr NPV think he is not paying income taxes?
Mr Who what is your plan to fix the city budget?
To say there's an over abundance of "greasy spoon" burger joints in Downtown Evanston is laughable...I have to strongly side side with Anonymous here---"you would prefer another coffee/tea house? Because there surely aren't enough of them! Or maybe another asian place? Perhaps an all natural, 'earthy' gluten free diner?"---well stated--:D
What some might call greasy burger joints or fast food is way off---one writer here lists some--my opinions follow
D&D Dogs---(its on Dempster but must be noted--4 star joint)
Wild Dogz---(downtown but a forgetable eating experience)
Uber Burger--(huh?--this aint no greasy burger joint)
Al's Italian Beef---(overrated)
Heckey's--(also not downtown and definately not a burget joint)
Gigio's Pizzaria---(sort of a burger joint but not realy--and quality has slumped considerably over the years)
I look forward to trying Edzos and wish them all the best--Viva La Grease!...final note---the early closing time is a bummer---we need a quality late night chicago style hot dog/burger joint in downtown---so it goes.
Interesting---looks like Michele and I went to pretty much the same kind of school--a relic of days gone by and probably for the best I guess---there's very few pro's I can recall about the nuns methods of intimidation, humiliation, and use of the ruler without fear of reprisal---Except in my day the pointer stick was pretty much the nuns weapon of choice---It had more reach, was easier to wield, and delivered far more significant results.
After being paroled to D-65 sometime in the mid to late 60's, I had a gym teacher at Nichols who was highly adept with a thick leather strap--I almost completed all three years without experiencing the sting of this wicked weapon but one day near end of 8th grade, prety much the entire male gym class I was in acted up during teacher's brief absence from class...Upon returning he decided it was best to just give evey kid a whack on the backside with strap as opposed to figuring who'd been naughty or nice--we were lined up against the gym wall, gym shorts pulled down to knees, and each given our just rewards...Mom happened to notice the rasised red welt just below my bottom a few days later and freaked---I told her to forget it--everyone in class has one--she wasn't happy but chose to follow my wishes---None of us except maybe a few weenies would ever want mom's whiny intervention here for sake of honor--it's just the way things were in those days...A few years later while at ETHS I heard the leather strap had been retired---a whiny mom finally kicked up a big enough fuss no doubt--it was inevitable---the times they were a changing.
Fast forward many years later---I worked at D-65 in the role as a special education teaching assistant---during this rewarding 12 year stint I can't say kids changed much from my school days---most good, some not so good, and some just downright awful...The only really noticeable difference from my perpective was level of all around "good manners" was higher in my day but the teachers can't be faulted for that--learning good manners comes from the home...Hence I guess is why programs like PBIS were initiated---If anyone thinks PBIS is effective is kidding themselves---I cant recall any kid ever taking it seriously...I did however very much notice part of this program calls for (as one writer here pretty much states) that kids are to sit like robots in class---it doesnt work and its irrational to think of any such program ever being effective---the emphasis on kids sittng quietly at their desks while being drilled to learn how to pass tests is non-produtive--and goes against the grain of Evanston's tradition of a unique learning experience---one where the arts and creative teaching methods are employed...Good class room behavior is all about teachers---some have that special knack knowing how to keep a civil obediesnt room, and some dont---the key objective for the district is to find and keep teachers who know how---and quit fussing around with goofy programs---just my two cents and worth exactly that
I think that having a retailer in an otherwise large empty storefront on a major downtown street (albeit temporarily) is good. If Hallmark is "in trouble" because a store that will be around for 2 months opened up a few blocks away, then Hallmark isn't doing something right and needs to re-evaluate it's business model.
I don't want to see businesses like Hallmark close, but the idea that the city should limit new business so that an existing store such as Hallmark can retain exclusive rights to a market is ridiculous.
I'm confused. How does Fiske think that the temporary halloween costume store is "harming the business" of the Hallmark card store, located a couple of blocks away?
Costumes. Cards. Costumes. Cards.
Gee, I don't see how these two products compete. Unless the card shop sells costumes. But if it does, is that the core business product? I don't think so.
Even more, I say so what. What's wrong with a little competition?
It seems our city leaders keep micromanaging everything and want to decide who can and can not operate a business in Evanston.
That, my friends, goes against he tenets of the free marketplace.
Shame on Fiske.
I've tried to support that particular Hallmark shop and found it dusty, poorly stocked, and pricey. I'm not a fan of "pop-up" and seasonal shops (and generally their prices are not great either), but the Hallmark shop could make more of an effort to present an inviting store...
Anonymous wrote:
"In fact, I suggest that the employees of the City are costing you considerably less than those in the private sector that you continue to cite as a model. I suggest you compare the salaries of those who work in technology, for example, at the City with a comparable position in the private sector and see who makes more."
===================
Most analysis has shown that public employees cost more than private for the same job. Unions for public jobs backed by Davis-Bacon [which was suppose to set public at private but in fact made them more generous for public and harder for government to layoff or limit] and government promising benefits they cannot pay, have pushed up costs.
=================
Community centers were mentioned. I don't oppose or begrudge seniors the Levy Center but I always thought it odd that if the city really thought it important that they moved it to where it is---much harder to get to esp. for a group that is less able/allowed to drive as they age. Yet there are several community centers for children to adults. Perhaps these centers and the library can take over for the Levy since there are more and should be more convenient.
========================
Is the golf course paying fair property tax, rent for land taken out of public use, taxes ? I see people walk up and drive up to 'holes' and start playing---instead of starting at #1. Are they suppose to have a tag on their bags showing they have paid their fee ? Are there suppose to be spot inspections by golf personnel on the course to make sure fees are paid ? I've never seen that.
"Why not close the library and the community centers on the weekends? Keep the beaches closed in the mornings? Only sell City stickers between 9-4? How many services are you willing to sacrifice with these "costly" employees?
I like the idea of cutting our city budget, but I am afraid that the city's budget cuts - and the cuts by thousands of other state and municipal governments - will cancel out the effect of the stimulus . Maybe now is not a good time for budget cuts. This would be a great time for construction work by the city, since we can probably get good deals in this market. Now is the time to fix the Purple Line and build a new Civic Center.
Still, you have some good ideas above. The branch libraries are the obvious choice for cuts. Community centers? What are those for? Maybe they should be open on weekends, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays...or have hours cut back. Keep the beaches closed in the mornings - good idea. City stickers - sell those online, and charge a $5 "inconvenience fee" for people who pick them up at the decrepit Civic Center.
RacerX you seem to think that the people employed by the City are on the public dole. No one is asking you to "support" people and their families with public funds. We're asking you to pay for the services that those employees provide. They work just as hard as you do for their money. (Maybe even harder - because they're not posting comments online during working hours.)
In fact, I suggest that the employees of the City are costing you considerably less than those in the private sector that you continue to cite as a model. I suggest you compare the salaries of those who work in technology, for example, at the City with a comparable position in the private sector and see who makes more.
I understand that we have to have cuts to balance the budget. Fine - have furloughs. But when you cut the hours of the employees, I hope that you remember to cut the hours of service available to the citizens. Why not close the library and the community centers on the weekends? Keep the beaches closed in the mornings? Only sell City stickers between 9-4? How many services are you willing to sacrifice with these "costly" employees?
Many residents are old enough to remember when trains switch from coal to oil, but union rules forced companies to keep a 'firebox' engineer on board anyway, as they also required a caboose steward for years after cabooses had been dropped. We called this 'featherbedding.'
At one time I'm sure some company made the finest buggy whips around, but their day passed and so did the company but probably long after the stockholders had been wiped out.
As far as I know city government has not been this backward and I certainly hope there is no featherbedding---but wait.
If the city is unwilling to make economic decisions instead of those based on a college freshman's ideology then we are doomed. [Recall how NU pressed for the Research Park and the council only wanted to debate it being a nuclear free zone, until NU's projections and arguments won out---you know how that turned out. If the council had spent more time on economics instead of freshman ideology we might have got a better---economical, jobs, city reputation---for the Park.]
Not heartless at all. But if we look at government as a business model (which the Council has to do during budget planning) then unfortunately the human asset has to be included in the discussion.
I would love to hear some of your solutions to the deficit issue.
I am generally a idealist, but when governments act in a fiscally reckless manner I have to become a realist. Government should not exist to provide a workers paradise. It needs to exist to service the citizens that have spawned it. Agreed that this takes the human element to implement. But if the balance between services and workers becomes unsustainable or imbalanced towards one end, then something has to give.
I worry about my private sector job just as I would suspect many others due. I don't have the luxury of public funds supporting me and my family. No one like the thought of people losing their jobs. But sometimes you just have to face up to reality.
Hopefully you will be as compassionate to me as you are towards city workers if I should lose my job in the near future.
Or at least support my wife and kids.
4th of July parade probably brings in revenue to the city but do:
downtown art festival bring in sales taxes, more sales for downtown vendors, revenue from art sales to Evanston artists or going to out-of-town artists [I realize with this and other events that if we limit to Evanstonians, communities might exclude Evanstonians] or instead discourage people from coming downtown for crowds ?
same for cultural and lake side art festivals
bike race---any revenue increase or crowds scare people away
As usual branch libraries have been ignored. Why south and north---aren't west side and southwest in at least as great a need both because of public transportation and need for reading resources ? If southwest and west do 'need', why south and north ?
Review business and building policy so potential business and builders want to come in, face reasonable taxes and not have council and zoning groups battle with them for years. Does the council and zoning groups have a death wish for the city ?
Thanks, RacerX. Sounds like your feeling very complacent in your job and content to recommend job losses for others. Did it ever occur to you that those employees have families who rely on their incomes? Perhaps they own homes in Evanston which they may lose without jobs? I would certainly hope the City would look for less drastic ways to make cuts than laying off 25 people.
I might also point out to the taxpayers of Evanston that furloughs and layoffs are not cost-free. Cutting staff time means cutting services. Unless of course the City wasn't to pay more insurance and mental health care costs for an overworked employee base.
Had lunch there today and while I had to wait pretty long for my order because they were really busy, the burger and fries were great when they finally did arrive at my table.
This guy really knows his stuff, and the burgers are fantastic.
I recommend the first three ideas. This is happening in the private sector across the country and should be no different for government. We can learn to live with a cutback in some city services until the economy begins to move forward.
Wage freeze. Furloughs. Layoffs. Sounds like a good start to me.
Any bets on which idea the Council will default to?