George,

As the Council explores changing our current policy on contractors to one that requires City contractors to pay the living wage to all employees, we must remember that such a change is not a burden to employers and the City as some will undoubtedly cry out. Instead it is an investment that will return very high returns to employers, employees, and our community. Even though we are talking about modest amounts of money, such a raise will make a large difference to low income families. It will enable them to participate better in our thriving economy, to better provide for their children and their education, to offer the possibility of owning a piece of Charlottesville, to greatly enhance self esteem, and to provide a clearer vision of future prosperity. For employers the benefits are evident. Offering a higher wage will make them more competitive in today's tight labor market, assure better performance and productivity from employees, and reduce employee turnover. For the community a higher wage level will increase our tax base, increase the productivity of many of our citizens, and show the Commonwealth that in our City WE CARE about all of our citizens. However, the main reason for pursuing this progressive change is that it is absolutely the right thing to do.

Admittedly, another goal that will have extremely significant impacts is to show the University that a progressive change such as the Living Wage will realize the value and importance of all employees, not just those at the top.

I hope that our City and all of its citizens will be able achieve this admirable and progressive goal of a living wage for all. Our community is only as strong as its weakest citizen.

Blake Caravati (electronic mail, April 21, 2000).