Finally, city government decides to do the right thing: embracing fiscal responsibility.
Layoffs are never pleasant, especially for those who receive the dreaded pink slip, but $420 million is a monumental sum that can potentially be an asset to the city, its workers, and property owners. In the event of a massive layoff, care must be taken not to release people who may be crucial for city services, but the layoff must be done with expedience, so that morale doesn't place workers in "deer-headlight" syndrome.
These layoffs can also guage the excess in the city and its needs. Municipal employment has too many extremes - either you're working hard all day, or taking several coffee and smoke breaks to kill the time. This layoff may be a blessing in disguise.
Comments (5)
It would be nice if the people that were being laid off were only the non-qualified (who should've never been hired) or those that only got the job b/c they are related to someone in high places moving them up the ladder beyond people who should've gotten the promotion that worked for it.
Trimming down an overweight beast is a great thing. But will the trimming be fair or will it be done with regard to the method of hiring which created the problem in the first place.
Posted by Charles Burns | August 14, 2008 7:20 PM
Posted on August 14, 2008 19:20
My name is Robert DeBord and I live in Park Forest. The idea of pulling kids out of school to make a point is ridiculous. To turn this into an issue of race is disingenuous.This is a class issue, if the parents of these students are not going to reinforce the importance of education then all the money in the world wont help at all. Suburban schools are only better because by enlarge the parents of suburban students place a high value on education. More money will not suddenly make the parents of inner city school children suddenly more pro active in their children's education.
Posted by Robert DeBord | August 14, 2008 10:01 PM
Posted on August 14, 2008 22:01
I agree, I am an city employee with no special friends or political connections who works in a department full of people with special friends and political connections, so it is only natural that I am very concerned for my job. I work very hard and would hate to be fired because of my non-political connections.
Posted by city worker | August 15, 2008 1:18 AM
Posted on August 15, 2008 01:18
City worker: I really feel for your situation. Partisan politics, patronage, and job layoffs can hurt those who don't have the connection. Keep your head up and get ready for a positive change.
Posted by Garrard McClendon
|
August 16, 2008 10:04 PM
Posted on August 16, 2008 22:04
I think that this is a disgrace! Why not take a look at all of the city Aldermen - DO WE NEED THEM?? ALL OF THEM??? And did they get the raise that they asked for?
Posted by Lynn | October 15, 2008 3:23 PM
Posted on October 15, 2008 15:23