There is much of interest in the report, but this bar graph is of particular interest. Asked about the challenges for Hudson businesses, the challenge cited most often by the 106 business owners who participated in the survey was "High Rent/Property" and the one cited least often was "Poor education/Schools." Of course, this could be explained by that fact that slightly more than 50 percent of the responding businesses require no employees.
I find the "Poor education/Schools" results most alarming. They say that you get the schools you deserve. To the extent that this survey is a substantive reflection of Hudson business owners' opinions suggests a real town and gown disconnect; one that hurts both parties. We certainly can't expand the taxpayer base -- which would spread the property tax burden and bring down rents -- unless we have good schools. And we can't have good schools unless the business community cares. --peter m.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Peter. We won't fix the downward population trend without better schools.
ReplyDeleteMark ORTON