by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter and the Boston City Paper, 3/2009

Like so many people, I too have recently been informed that everyone in my company will take a pay cut. And we all have colleagues who have lost jobs, taken massive pay cuts, and face uncertainty how to survive in these economic times.

My great frustration is with the politicians who don’t seem to understand we don’t have any more money to give, and businesses who are clearly taking advantage of the economy for their own benefit, while we struggle to buy milk and bread and pay the rent, and wonder how to afford to send our kids to school -- or even if we’ll have a home six months from now. Even those of us who are still employed know the rug can be pulled at any time.

We’re getting a lot of memos from people who want more of our money; I think it’s time we send our own memo back to them:

MEMO: Cost-cutting measures during these difficult economic times.

Today's economic situation requires me to make hard decisions. However, if I take actions immediately to maintain a balanced budget, I will be positioned well for the future.

That’s why I am sending this memo; it’s important to reassess my financial situation and make the necessary money-saving measures and cost-cutting steps. The gap between where I am today and accomplishing my financial goals is widened by the current economic climate. As a result, I need to take temporary actions to get me through this difficult period.

Dear Governor Patrick: I like you, Governor, and voted for you. But due to my pay cut, I’m afraid that I will not be able to pay your proposed increased taxes on anything. Given the amount of waste and corruption on Beacon Hill, perhaps you could look there first for additional funds before enacting a gas tax, or any tax. Governor, with all due respect, I’m not exactly sure where you expect people who have been hit with pay cuts or been laid off, or face losing their homes to come up with a way to pay your new taxes on gas, and soda, and candy. Please understand that it’s not that people are unwilling to help you, they CANNOT – they don’t have any more money.

To the MBTA: Due to my changing economic condition I will not be able to afford your proposed fare increases. You recently restricted parking at my station, raised parking costs at all stations and raised fares just a year ago and now you want more money? For what? To correct your legacy of bad financial management? And what do we get in return? Delays, bad service, snarly drivers, faulty equipment and a laughable on-time guarantee? Good fiscal logic would seem to indicate that you’ll need to get your own finances in order before you ask your commuters for more. I hope you’ll understand, it’s not me, it’s these tough economic times.

To Logan Airport: Due to my reduced liquid capital, I’m afraid I can’t support the two dollar “green fee” you imposed recently. First, it’s unfair to penalize people for parking at your lot where you’ve recently raised prices; Second, the only green I see being saved is in YOUR wallet; and third, as the Weekly Dig recently stated so well, taking the T to Logan is not an option for the mom with three kids and luggage trying to make a 7am flight.

To the Mass Turnpike Authority: Likewise, due to the change in my personal financial situation, I’m afraid I cannot support your proposed toll increases. Perhaps you could find the money in your own organization? I understand a lot of it has been misplaced by your employees over the years. We’ve all been reading Howie Carr in the Boston Herald and know that good money management doesn’t seem to be your greatest strength. We’re sorry for this tough love, but if you don’t learn to manage your own money first, we can’t keep giving you money to waste.

To American International Group (AIG), and the bonuses you are trying to pay out after your bailout: ARE YOU KIDDING? No, seriously, are you insane? You cannot have your bonuses. The people of America are not going to allow it.

To the credit card companies: All of your customers, including myself, have received your new terms. I received all your letters about the increase in my APR and the new $39.00 late charges, increased monthly minimums and the various other new fees. Your letters all blame these changes on the economy. I’m no economist, and I’m sure the mere billions you rake in mean you’re hurting too, and that the upcoming federal regulations impacting all credit card companies in 2010 mean you need to act fast to financially rape and demolish your customers as quickly as possible and blame it on the economy while you are still legally allowed to do so.

Therefore, due to these difficult economic times, I will not be able to accept your new terms and is it’s my intention to pay off my balances as fast as possible and cancel your cards. You are no longer a convenience, you are a liability, and due to my reduced financial liquidly I’m afraid I can no longer play along with the joke you call customer service.

To other companies: When you send me a letter explaining that due to the economy you need to raise the cost of something, I’m afraid I will need to inform you that due to the economy I must deny your request. If that means I must cancel your service, so be it.

To each of you listed above, I recognize these are tough actions, and you can be assured I made this decision after much thought and assessment. I ask for your support and understanding as I work through these very difficult times. I am confident I will strengthen my position in a consolidating global market. I will be one of my industry’s best and brightest, trusted by my clients to solve their challenges, and reposition myself in a worldwide consumer market, and am confident I will rise to the occasion and will, in fact, succeed in preserving, through this difficult period, the excellence I have demonstrated to all of you.

I thank you in advance for your understanding. Remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. The CEO of a company I used to work for told us that the day before he laid off hundreds of people, so I know it must be true.