The Central Chamber Report: Keep Doing it Right!

    Last week I spent a couple of days down at the Capital.  It didn’t take long to pick up on the tension being created by the state’s budgetary issues.  I kept hearing the phrase, “Everyone is going to have to get a haircut this year!”  That isn’t a very reassuring point of reference for me, since I’m as bald as a cue ball.   Unfortunately, when it comes to certain sectors, such as higher education, there just isn’t much hair to trim.  Businesses, large and small, seem to be in line for the most drastic “haircuts” as a way to generate more tax revenues.  Even with all the maneuvering, it seems a daunting task to make up for a 1.6 -1.8 billion dollar shortfall.  After just two days at the Capital, I was actually starting to feel sorry for our law makers.  
    As I drove back into our fair city, to attend the fantastic open house at the Central BRCC location, a thought came to my mind.  Our state is having financial problems and our nation is obviously in a financial downward spiral but what about our city?  We currently have a financial surplus!  Now I understand that we are only ten years old and some will say, “Just wait till you’ve been around for 50 years!  Then you will have your problems!”  I’m certainly glad I didn’t start my career out with that mind set.  I would trust that I am moving towards more financial stability as I get older, not less.  Hopefully, the model that our city has adopted will continue to propel us forward as well.  It’s an idea out of the 1700’s involving the limited size of government, volunteerism, controlled spending, relying on the private sector to produce supply and expecting charity to come from among us.  Privatization of city services, a volunteer police department, few city employees, engaged and caring citizens, a strong religious influence, a quality school system and dedicated businesses owners all come together to create a great place to live!  
    Some said we didn’t know what we were doing when we started our city and we now have a budget surplus. Imagine a surplus and avoiding the traditional “spend it all away” philosophy.  Some said we didn’t know what we were doing when we started our own school system and now we rank consistently amongst the highest in the state.  Our municipality must continue to be strong.  To quote one of my associates, “The Calvary isn’t coming”!  We must be fiscally responsible, support our local businesses and schools, exercise smart growth and “watch over our own hen house” so that our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can continue to live in a community that cares.
Ron Erickson
President – Central Chamber