Opinion

Why did jobs exist in first place?

Posted February 08, 2012 5:00 am

A front-page article on Jan. 28 was titled “Elgin cuts 29 jobs.” The article also indicated that this was the third time in five years that positions have been eliminated for budgetary reasons.

I found it interesting that the city manager stated the current reductions “will not prevent the city from continuing to provide the same high level of service to the community.” I assume a similar statement was made in the first two reductions.

The article prompted two thoughts to enter my mind. One, it is always sad to learn about job losses due to the impact on individuals and their families. However, if the elimination of these positions will not impact service to the community, why were these positions created and filled in the first place?

Since I have not perceived any diminishment of service after the first two reductions, is it not reasonable to ask the same question about those positions? Do we have a mindset that we will spend whatever money is available without justifying the expense?

Royce M. Blackwell

Elgin

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