Considering what’s going on in the real world, I’m glad the N&R at least recognizes the irony behind Greensboro City Manager Mitchell Johnson’s statement that the city’s “just like a business” when calling for a $1.1 million budget cut:
Johnson hasn’t gone so far as to order layoffs, but City Councilman Mike Barber believes job cuts have to be part of the equation. Councilwoman Trudy Wade agrees and notes that many private businesses are trimming 5 percent to 10 percent in operating expenses.
Their sense of urgency is understandable.
Yet the editorial doesn’t offer any strong recommendations, falling back on consolidation of services with Guilford County while simultaneously saying the “delicate process of building a regional transit system” should proceed to deal with tardy city buses. I assume such a center would be in addition to GTA’s new $20 million facility.
The editorial also mentions the debt the $205 million in bonds could generate (it will be interesting to see which of the bonds they endorse) before concluding the “city should solicit savings ideas from its employees and the general public.” As if they’ll listen.
Still, I’ve got an idea right off the top of my head: Don’t buy the Canada Dry property.
