Forced Change

These essays, comments and observations are offered under the marquee caption of “TheFundamentals.” The contributors to these commentaries share, for the most part, a set of beliefs, values, principles and behavioral characteristics that they know as fundamentals. High on the list of fundamentals is the principle that each of us must manage our own financial condition responsibly. This principle is best characterized by limiting our spending to what we earn and have and having a rainy day fund. If we borrow we must be able to repay the debt.

This principle has been violated by individuals, families, communities and, most spectacularly, the elected representatives to national government. The malaise that besets the nation is rooted in its promiscuous financial behavior as well as other forms of deterioration in adherence to the beliefs, values, principles and behavioral characteristics that are time tested for millennia. That, simply, is why TheFundamentals is offered.

Can we change? Of course. Will we change? Doubtful. So, what will happen? More than likely we will be forced to change by outside factors and influences. Here is a small example of forced change:

For Immediate Release Contact: Peter Scales
Phone: 312-744-1821
E-mail:
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Monday, August 17 to Be Reduced-Service Day for City

The City of Chicago is reminding residents that Monday, August 17 will be a reduced-service day for the City of Chicago – City Hall, public libraries, health clinics, and most city offices will be closed.

Most services not directly related to public safety will not be provided on that day, including refuse pickup. However, all public safety services, including police and fire, will remain at full strength and will not be impacted by the reduced-service day.

As part of the 2009 budget, three reduced-service days were planned for 2009, which will be unpaid for all affected City employees: the Friday after Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; and New Year's Eve. The City Council recently approved moving the reduced-service day planned for New Year’s Eve to Monday, August 17.

On the three reduced-service days, the City will employ the minimum amount of staff needed to provide essential city services. Police and Fire Department operations will not be affected, as the reduced-service days do not apply to any sworn employees or other direct public safety providers. City Hall, libraries, health clinics, senior service centers and other City offices will be closed.

Refuse will also not be collected on August 17. Residents who receive regular city collection services on Mondays should expect their collection to be made on the following day. Some other customers may also experience a one-day delay in refuse pickup. Street sweeping will also not occur on Monday.

The 2009 budget anticipates saving $8.3 million due to the reduced-service days across all funds.

"Every dollar we save from these measures helps to save jobs, and in the long-term, maintain services for Chicagoans," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "This plan relies on most of our civilian employees to be part of the solution to our very serious budget challenges. I want to thank them again for their sacrifice."

In addition to the reduced service days, all non-union employees were asked to take a series of furlough days and unpaid holidays. Most non-sworn union employees agreed to take similar unpaid time off. These savings are expected to reduce the City’s 2009 budget deficit by more than $34 million.

The national recession continues to have a significant impact on the City of Chicago’s budget. And despite efforts to reduce costs and better manage government, the City’s 2009 revenue shortfall is expected to be about $300 million.