FeedsCouncilman explains 'cruise' decision
Councilman explains offer
To the editor;
I am writing in response to a letter in your July 8 edition titled “City demands questions” by Keith Butkovich.
To begin with, no demands were made, rather an offer of assistance was presented. During our meeting, Mr. Nicholson informed the city council that he has not been able to turn a profit on the ‘Crusin’ Michigan Ave.” event that he had held in our city for two years. I told Mr. Nicholson that I believed what he has told the city in regards to his lack of a profit, I have no reason not to. What I offered was an opportunity to review his financial records to look for areas that could potentially generate more revenue and where costs could be cut, ensuring future events.
(It is worth noting that I made this same offer, not demand, last year.)
Mr. Nicholson is a private business owner who runs a for profit event. Without a profit, how can there be any expectation of this event continuing in our city? I personally enjoy the Cruise, attend every year and financially support the local businesses involved. Not one member of the city council was opposed to the Cruise taking place.
My grandfather in arrived in Wayne in 1919 and decided this was the city where he wanted to raise his family and start a small business. Mulholland Dry Goods was fortunate enough to have called Wayne its home for over 65 years. My professional career (excluding time served in the U.S. Army) has revolved around small business ownership or franchise operations and sales. I currently consult with franchise owners in 11 state on how to run a successful and profitable business.
During my short tenure on the city council, I have repeatedly urged citizens to support our local businesses and have passed on many of the positive encounters that I have had with local business owners. To have Mr. Butkovich refer to the mayor (a former small business owner in the City of Wayne) and the entire city council as “anti-business and pro fee” is simply incorrect.
My offer was a sincere one that came with no strings attached, just the chance to have another “set of eyes” look over a profit and loss statement for possible hidden opportunities.
It is easy to get frustrated with the current financial situation, what is more difficult is to find the solution that allows us to keep as many jobs and city services in Wayne as possible. I truly believe this is possible with the help of all citizens and small business owners working together, instead of against one another.
And yes Mr. Butkovich, I also am hoping that the citizens of Wayne remember this when election time comes again.
Mathew P. Mulholland,
Wayne City Councilman
