麻豆AV

It seems no does not mean no when it comes to the council of West 麻豆AV wanting to have a new city hall.

A referendum was held; people of West 麻豆AV voted; the result was no.

No meant 鈥� do not build a new shiny building, regardless of the difference in the count between the Yes vote and the No vote.

An article in the Oct. 28 麻豆AV Capital News, Council 奥辞苍鈥檛 Give Up on Westbank City Hall Location, says the city is exploring options for a new city hall, one according to Duane Ophus, where 鈥渨别 (council) need to pull in our horns and lower our 别虫辫别肠迟补迟颈辞苍蝉.鈥�

What does no really mean?

Now, I would suggest that most people in West 麻豆AV do not have any objections to the city spending money, if the result of that expenditure adds value, fixes something, provides a needed service, or solves a problem.

Here is what I am suggesting 鈥� solve the problem.

Jim Zaffino, administrative officer of West 麻豆AV, states 鈥渕辞谤别 space for city workers is needed because the existing municipal office is now at 肠补辫补肠颈迟测.鈥� I think we can all agree that this is a problem worth solving immediately.

So the question I am asking the mayor and all of the council: 鈥泪蝉 building a new city hall the only and/or best solution to this immediate 辫谤辞产濒别尘?鈥�

In simple terms the problem is more people than space.

Obvious solution 鈥� get more space 鈥� council says build it.

Here are a few ideas worth considering. I am sure the talented staff at West 麻豆AV, if directed, could come up with more:

a) Hiring 鈥� freeze it, monitor it, ensure they are needed

b) Have people work different shifts 鈥� days and afternoons to use existing space over two shifts

c) Shared space 鈥� multiple people in one physical space if they 诲辞苍鈥檛 need to be in the office at all times

d) Working from home

e) Leasing existing space that is vacant in West 麻豆AV rather than building a new building

f) Contracting out some services.

All of the above individually or in combination would provide more space without having to spend $7.1 million or more for a new building.

This would afford council the opportunity to start a special fund for the building of a new shiny city hall by setting aside funds for that specific purpose.

The fund could be started by allocating the interest (that should be) earned on the $7.1 million that the city will now not have to spend.

Is it not time for us to think outside the shiny new box we call city hall and solve real problems?

Wayne Van Damme, West 麻豆AV