Can we achieve goal without layoffs?

I read with enthusiasm Eric Zoeckler’s Sept. 8 column (“Layoffs should be the last resort rather than the first option”). Eric gave an example of a company asked to cut operating costs in half.

The business leader decided to approach the crisis differently. He aimed his cost-cutting machete at as many non-people expenses in an effort to save as many jobs as possible.

Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel is asking for a 5 percent cut from all departments for the upcoming budget year. Many faithful employees of Snohomish County will soon face layoffs due to this budget cut. I am one.

I challenge Bob Drewel to achieve this 5 percent cut without cutting employees. Please bring the budget crisis to the employees. Ask for cost saving ideas. Analyze the ideas in an open-minded, win-win environment. Put into action ideas that will bring savings.

I have presented a plan that increases productivity, reduces operating costs, adds training, and with rotation of assigned worksites will achieve the open communication, team problem solving and resource sharing concept management desires. This plan would save money and hopefully two employees from layoffs. My plan would take change. Change is hard. Are we up to the challenge?

Snohomish County Maintenance

Everett