Like A Good Neighbor … Time To Belly Up
 by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)Â
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
On October 7th of this year I posted the following article
Since that time area churches, other non-profits and area businesses have contributed money and other items to assist those losing their jobs through the difficult transition in times that were perilous even before the closing of the call center. Temporary assistance is always welcome by those in need, but more is needed in order to secure another employer or employers to employ those who want to work.
The rumor on the street is that Moriarty has asked for the help of Edgewood to refurbish parts of the building or grounds where a new tenant might locate. I believe this is a fitting proposal for several reasons:
- those who have or will lose their jobs want to work and they need to work
- some employees who lost their jobs live in Edgewood and other points outside of Moriarty
- as a former employee of the connection, I can attest to the fact that a majority of the employees spent a portion of each paycheck at Edgewood businesses
- Edgewood is not in the charity business, but this potential assistance is not charity. It is taking care of our own; no matter the location of their residence
- this assistance would demonstrate Edgewood’s willingness to recognize the assistance given to citizens of this valley and reward that assistance in a meaningful way
- it would be one more illustration of a regional approach to economic development
- it would demonstrate to the legislature and Santa Fe County that our dollars need to stay here to help our own, before sliding to Santa Fe City and Santa Fe County
There are other reasons or justifications, but #6 and #7Â have been arguments I have offered consistently while I was on the Edgewood Town Council and my feelings have not diminished on this issue.
There must of course, be caveats concerning participation, and I’m sure Mayor Encinas and Mayor Stearley are interested in finding the very best client that will pay salary and benefits above the norm for the area and will try to insure that the employer or employers will be long-term rather than in one day and out the next.
While we are talking about benefits, one benefit to the employer, should it be a call center, would be a decrease in the amount that must be paid as “back- haul” charges for the T-1 lines provided by Qwest Communications. If no reduction can be realized, perhaps other providers (broadband or otherwise) could be found. The less expensive the communications and other utility charges are for the employer, the more (theoretically, at least) can be passed on to the employees.
Here’s hoping that Edgewood, with due diligence, can assist in this regional effort and will do so without undue delay. I’ll be at the Edgewood Town Council meeting on Wednesday, December 3 to express my support for the project. May I suggest you do the same?
4 Responses “Like A Good Neighbor … Time To Belly Up”
It should be noted that one of the subjects on the agenda for tonight’s Edgewood Town Council meeting is a joint powers agreement between Edgewood and Moriarty. The subject of the agreement is not specified, but I hope that it has to do with the former location of The Connection. It is good to see that Edgewood and Moriarty may be standing together in a time of need, and working together for the benefit of all.
Infrastructure has always been a problem for operations such as these. It is to be hoped that the two municipalities, perhaps with the help of other organizations and individuals interested in bringing these jobs back, can either pressure Qwest into reducing rates on the T-1 lines or find another interested provider. I’m skeptical that the savings would be passed along to the employees – but it may be that the lower expense may make the location more attractive to potential occupants.
What a good chance for the town of Edgewood to show some compassion and leadership for others in the Estancia Valley!
I know that many churches, restaurants, and other organizations in our town have done what they can to “soften the blow” of the closing. With town funds being at an all-time high, thanks to the current gross profits tax situation, I just wonder what the town council could accomplish if they would clear their agenda of those “truly important things”. I am, of course referring to those staple topics, such as signs, library carpets, sewers and the blight orinance. If they had the capacity to complete their work on these items in a timely manner, perhaps those charged with doing the actual “field work ” could get them moving and in some cases, even completed. Then the town leadership would have time to look at the plight of our valley neighbor and maybe even come up with some positive and helpful action . I must remind our learned council that a portion of the Gross receipts tax taken in by our local merchants does come from Moriarty!
Our neighbors are contributing daily to the financial health of Edgewood by shopping here. What can we do help them now, in their time of need?