SAN MATEO, CA – During one of the most dire economic times in the country's history, when millions were standing in soup lines, the federal government stepped in and lifted its people up through something called Work Projects Administration (WPA). It was part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's plan to help unemployed workers. And it worked.
Fast-forward seven decades. Times are tough everywhere. What does San Mateo city want to do? Lay off workers and bring in contractors from outside the community. Here's the kicker: the target is none other than the city's historic WPA project from the FDR era – the Poplar Creek Golf Course.
San Mateo city workers on Monday will urge the City Council against privatization.
WHEN: June 2, 7 p.m.
WHERE: San Mateo City Hall, 330 W. 20th Avenue
"As the city's golf course marshal, I get a lot of feedback from patrons and everybody tells me how well maintained it is," said Tom Keighran. "Everybody is very concerned about what will happen if the city out-sources. If this crew is taken away, the course will deteriorate very rapidly."
San Mateo justifies contracting out by claiming a $2 million budget deficit. Yet, the city has a history of under-estimating revenues and over-estimating expenditures. Audits show that for the last four years, the city has realized surpluses totaling $8.5 million.
The jobs targeted for privatization are at the golf course and in the public works department. What the city hasn't disclosed is that these are workers trained as emergency first responders. During the next fire, flood or earthquake, city golf course workers, street sweepers and other blue-collar workers are the only city employees – other than the police and fire departments – who are trained to come to the public's aid.
City leaders should remember the commitment, loyalty and quality of service that come from employees with roots in the community. On the other hand, studies have shown that contracting out often results in higher costs, poorer service, and diminished government control and accountability. San Mateo residents deserve better.