Not Wise To Do Same Thing Over Again And Expect Different Results
Guest Column
by, BARRIE BREED
Recent discussion regarding pulling funds from the Greater San Marcos Partnership and using those dollars “in-house” is of great concern to me, and cause for much question and confusion, particularly since most of the Council has indicated satisfaction with the current program. What concerns me the most about taking funds from a proven, successful program and giving them to a yet-to-be-determined in-house program, is that I see history repeating itself, and not in a good way. I don’t think it’s ever wise to do the same thing all over again and expect different results.
I feel somewhat qualified to discuss this matter, as I was employed by the San Marcos Economic Development Council in 2004 and 2005. We were a two-person operation with a $243,000 budget and were housed in the Chamber of Commerce building. We worked cooperatively with the city, county, Chamber, Industrial Foundation, and others to present a united front. Or so we thought.
In 2005, the city decided to open the economic development contract for bids for much the same reason that is being discussed today, i.e. transparency and control. SMEDC was successful in winning that bid with a $238,000 budget, but the contract that was proposed was so restrictive, it would have been impossible to run a successful program, i.e. SMEDC elected not to agree to the terms and at that point the contract was awarded to the second place bid. Without going into detail, suffice it to say that two years and $460,000 later, there was no economic development program, no physical facility, no website, no marketing, no nothing.
Next came EDSM from 2008-2010. Again, after having to rebuild from scratch, there were some successes, but from 2011 to today, we have seen those same city dollars ($360,000) generate astonishing results. I can say unequivocally that none of us who came before could hold a candle to the level of professionalism, leveraging of dollars, or positive economic impact of the GSMP.
I truly don’t understand why we have to be so either/or. Why can’t we be more both/and. I will go to my grave hoping against hope that San Marcos can one day come to understand that we can love and protect our river and parks and embrace our eclectic lifestyle, all-the while working to strengthen our economy by bringing in higher paying jobs, improved housing opportunities, and working collaboratively. Otherwise, we may as well tell TxState, Hays County, and all the generous private sector contributors of the Partnership to take their money and invest it down the road where it will be appreciated and used to the advantage of our neighbors.
Recently I attended a presentation at which our Mayor, City Manager, Public School Superintendent, and Economic Development Director spoke. All were equally supportive and complimentary of one another, their staffs, programs, and San Marcos in general. I even stood and thanked them for being such team players. No one wants to see division in the ranks, especially when looking to relocate businesses and families. I don’t understand why or how the wheels have suddenly fallen off and once again we are looking to divide. We all know what happens then. We divide and are conquered.
I would love to discuss the objectives with any Council member that’s interested. I just don’t want to be accused of breaking any Texas Open Meetings Act rules.
Sincerely,
BARRIE BREED
LOCAL RESIDENT
