If this were to occur, it would provide an unbearable financial burden on citizens and system users. Given our city's large percentage of senior citizens and low-income residents, such an increase would be unacceptable, not to mention immoral. To not do so would raise our rates by approximately 50 percent. One of the things I heard during the election campaign was the desire by many for a more efficient government. In order to achieve this, I believe it is important to remain open to all management strategies.
Privatization is one strategy whose time has come.
It will allow us to take advantage of the private sector's expertise while maintaining control of rates and refocusing our energies on other areas that need our attention. Finally, the lives of those who work in these departments are important and have been considered. I personally met with many of the workers to explain our dilemma. We have worked to build protection for our work force. Indianapolis, as an example, privatized some water and waste-water operations with virtually no layoffs of city workers.