Is that necessarily such a bad thing? Is growth the only way forward? Nothing can grow forever. If the town must shrink, then it might be time to do something RARELY done -- see the writing on the wall and plan for a smaller future. One city which has done that very thing is Detroit, MI.
So, what must be done?
Stop Wasting Money Trying to Lure Businesses to Town
They aren't coming. Okay, maybe one or two over the next ten years. It's not like we haven't been trying. It makes very little sense for a business of significant size to locate here. Get over it.
Quit Worrying About the Casino
If a casino ever manages to be built in Raton, its impact will be minimal and short lived. Adding a prison with 300 jobs to Clayton had virtually no effect. Walsenburg got a little bump from their prison -- until it left town. If the new casino proved to be the biggest, brightest, most wonderful show in all of the Southwest, then maybe Raton could become the Vegas of the prairie. I think that deep down, in their heart of hearts, most people really know the truth -- the casino would probably be a corrugated tin pre-fab wonder. Maybe we would be lucky and it would have a shingled facade on the front. Maybe even a fountain in which to toss your shiny pennies.
Bulldoze, Bulldoze, Bulldoze
Detroit took a hard look at it's empty, decrepit neighborhoods. Then they bulldozed them.
Why should Raton follow suit?
- A small town with open areas looks better than a small town surrounded by a jungle of ruins.
- Empty lots can be rebuilt by folks with money if they want to move to Raton in the future.
- Removing the slums reduces the number of available dumps for ne'er-do-wells to inhabit.
Those who want to come here will come here of their own accord -- and for the right reasons. Make it as unpalatable as possible for the jobless or barely employed. This is NOT the place to be homeless!
Yep, the hospital, county court building, and the swimming pool would never have been built if they were funded by private money. Why not? Because private money is usually smarter money, and smart money knows better than to build in a town that is hanging by a thread.
Spend the Money Saved on Making Raton a More Beautiful Place
Focus the money inward -- plant flowers, trees, and grass. Clean up lots and buildings. Add sculptures. Make it an enjoyable place for the remaining population. If you want to improve something, work on the fundamentals first. The rewards will follow.
Prepare to Lose a Few Businesses
More than a few businesses in Raton are hanging by the proverbial thread. We are going to lose some restaurants, some gas stations, and perhaps a hotel or two. We will probably keep the grocery store but may lose the K-Mart. Is one dollar store enough? Will you miss these businesses terribly? Do you even shop in them now?
Only Hire City Managers from Within the Community
No matter how slim the pickin's. Seriously. Pay them the same amount as you would an outsider. Yeah, that's gonna stick in somebody's craw.
Stop Whining and Complaining (as much)
Make it a point to spend at least as much time each day doing something constructive as you do whinging.
Wow -- think how much good we could do!
One problem will be government staffing levels on the way down. One day, you'll have 1/2 an officer too many, after the adjustment layoff you'll have 1/2 an officer too few.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to match staffing levels to a moving target, whether your going up in population or down, but it's definitely harder when you're at the lower levels.
The "bum" in the photo looks more like a backpacker drinking a cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteAre they bad, too?
They're only bad if they don't bring money, stay too long, and sleep on the sidewalk.
ReplyDelete