I think that employees understand the harsh realities of our economic times and should be expected to make concessions to protect their positions and the positions of their fellow employees. We are unable to raise taxes — and should resist the temptation — and there are few choices on the table. I think we can do better by asking the unions to be part of the long-term solution for Glendale than dictate terms. Having said that, however, the city needs to have to guts to walk away if negotiations are not yielding results. We need only look to Americana at Brand to find out how bad the city cuts deals.
Explain your plan for retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones amid this harsh economic climate.
Streamlining the process for setting up a business in Glendale. I opened an espresso bar in Portland that took 17 days from pulling the permit to making the first drink. Montrose merchants set up their own business licensing program to better develop new business and it works. I would expand it throughout the city and set up an office dedicated to walking business owners through the process.
