CC Minutes - 01/27/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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because it was an example an essential feature of a "high road strategy" in economic development. He said decent wages, the provision of benefits, and positive labor relations was the most efficient and ethical approach to achieving sustainable economic growth. He said the living wage standard was an important step in the City of Eugene taking the high road. Joseph McKinney, 3210 Witten Drive, spoke as president of Oregon Roads. He said a healthy economy required a healthy balance of resources among its economic classes. He spoke in favor of a living wage standard. He said the standards in the community were too Iow and it showed. He said it was shameful for the City to hesitate. He stressed that consumer spending stimulated business-to-business spending. He urged the council to provide leadership on the issue. Paul Holvey, United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 1273, 2101 West 10th Avenue, said his members endorsed the living wage campaign and had been partners in trying to implement such a standard for the community. He said public dollars should not be used to create Iow wage jobs that undermined living wage jobs and a worker's ability to provide shelter, healthcare, and food for his or her family. He raised concern over Councilor Papa's potential conflict of interest on the issue. Eileen Thompson, 1763 Olive Street, spoke representing the Newman Center. She said the idea of a living wage standard had generated significant support in the community. She said 40 local groups, religious organizations, unions, social service providers, and community organizations had endorsed the idea of a living wage. She stressed that the issue was one the community felt very strongly about. She urged the council to: · Affirm the principal for a living wage standard for the City and establish a wage level and scope of coverage that the council collectively felt was appropriate. · Develop a plan for a phased implementation of the standard. Mayor Torrey introduced Ki-Won Rhew from Eugene's sister city in Chinju, Korea. Mayor Torrey thanked Mr. Rhew for participating in the program. Mr. Rhew reported, to general applause, that there was now an student exchange program between the two sister cities and noted that four students from Korea were now attending local high schools. Mayor Torrey closed the Public Forum and called for council comments. Councilor Bettman thanked those who testified. She noted that the public had not seen the entire problem of the living wage issue. Referring to comments from Mr. Slocum and Mr. Connolly, she noted that the Chamber of Commerce supported economic development investment strategies. She said the major question was which economic development strategies would provide the most benefit to the most citizens. She commented that tax breaks to multi-national corporations or developers did not have a demonstrable benefit to average citizens and expressed her desire to see a comparison discussion over which economic strategies would best help the community. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 27, 2003 Page 4 Regular Meeting