I’m shocked at the City of Hollister!
I’m shocked because council and the city manager are doing the
right thing.
I’m shocked at the City of Hollister!
I’m shocked because council and the city manager are doing the right thing.
Rather than squirm, avoid and procrastinate they are owning up to their responsibility of managing our financial future.
I hope they will each take a good look in the mirror tonight and feel proud knowing that they are doing what they were elected to do. Anyone can hand out money, kiss babies and cut ribbons but it takes a strong and dedicated leader to accomplish the complex and unpleasant tasks we face today.
Dale Shaddox, our new city manager should be especially commended for his leadership under fire. Dale walked in eight months ago thinking it would be smooth sailing on the Central Coast, but boy did he meet the perfect storm. Well done, Dale!
As for the affected employees, I’d like to say I feel for you. Getting laid off is a terrible experience. Large-scale layoffs have been a fact of life for the rest of us for 20 years and city employees should now get accustomed to it. I’d also like to say that I’m rather disappointed in the behavior by some. The city never said “employee for life” when they hired you. Rather than protest or make veiled threats as some have, you should be supporting each other, polishing up your resume and calling your network of contacts.
I hope that we will all learn two things from this difficult episode. First, revenue needs to match expenses. Building permits and sewer fees must reflect the total cost to the city. Second, a successful city must be flexible. In growth times you hire employees, but as soon as growth stops, you must reduce employees.
Randy Schell,
Hollister
