Month: May 2016

Some talking points of CA board meeting on 2015-05-26

The following are some talking points of Columbia Association’s board meeting on 2015-05-26.

  1. We got informed that Inner Arbor Trust, i.e., IAT, CEO Michael McCall will resign soon for better opportunities. IAT is looking for a new CEO and work hard on fundraising. However,  Chrysalis is under construction and is promised to be delivered this fall.
  2. There are two bills in front of County Council for the Download Affordable Housing. CA board was taking answers from both proposals and may instruct CA’s staff to testify.
  3. CA board approved collaborating with County Government on deer management. The affected area is mainly in King’s Contrivance Village.
  4. CA Board approved the new membership structure  and pricing with some minor changes.

Break unhealthy partisan fight

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Just read this month’s Fortune’ editorial:”No time for socialists”. It seems not very persuasive. It will be helpful to see why people feel excluded from the system and provide some concrete steps to fix it. Even a small step foward helping to break away from the unhealthy partisan dog fight will change the dynamics. Chinese Ming dynasty died partially because of partisan fight between the king and two other major parties.

Federal money spending in 2015

Got a picture about 2015 total federal spending: 3.8 Trillion. The interest on debt is more than the total of the following:

  1. science, energy& environment, housing& community, transportation,
  2. Education, transportation, housing&community
  3. Food and Agriculture + science + energy
  4. Veteran’s affairs + science + energy
  5. or any other combinations you want to put together.

The interest on debt is the number four spending in the federal spending. This is a huge concern to me

I remember one number very well when I was still a graduate student: “one day of Iraq war costs more than a whole year spending of National Science Foundation”.

2015 total spending

on BBC, China’s Science Revolution

China's science revolutionby Rebecca Morelle
23 May 2016

Very interesting and informative. I used to work in the particle accelerator area.

I did a quick search. The author graduated with a Chemistry Degree from Oxford. The report angle is more objective from a scientist or an engineer than that from people who have a political science degree. For example, she did not always discuss human rights in a scientific project as in NY Times or Washington Post or WSJ.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-0192822d-14f1-432b-bd25-92eab6466362

it’s clear Beijing is Silicon Valley’s only true competitor

This article is very interesting. The picture is funny : “One Olympics, one dream”, which should be dated back to 2008.

Beijing is sillicon valley's only true competitor
http://www.recode.net/2016/5/13/11592570/china-startup-tech-economy-silicon-valley

I used to work with several Chinese companies. I had phone calls with them every night and morning to coach them for integrating our software into their hardware for several months. Their hard-working spirit is incomparable, even inhumane to many American companies.

There are several sentences in the article resonating well with me:

  1. “And it’s good for Silicon Valley to have a true competitor, because it sparks impulses on how to evolve to the next level.”
  2. And while I don’t think long hours are any measure of productivity, I was amazed by the enormous hunger and drive.
  3. The argument that Chinese entrepreneurs are mainly cloning Western startups is outdated.
  4. Beyond the “money mindset,” what Chinese startups lack the most is knowledge on how to run high-quality product development in parallel with rapid distribution growth — in other words, how to get both done at the same time.
  5. Let’s keep the inner Silicon Valley spirit alive, and be focused on creating awesome things out of almost nothing. That’s entrepreneurship. Let’s beware of getting perked out and distracted by stuff that doesn’t matter.

 

Collateral damage and perpetual foreigner

As a law-bidding citizen, we should be always careful of the government overreach, from every angle of our life. Freedom and liberty are not given for granted. If we do not keep vigilant, they will be taken away.

I wrote an article and joined rallies to support several Chinese Americans who were wrongly charged of espionage. Now CBS’s “60 minutes” shed a light on how these Chinese Americans were treated unfairly by the US Department of Justice. I wish Department of Justice will say sorry to them, compensate for their loss. I hope Prof. Xiaoxing Xi, Ms. Sherry Chen and others will forgive them and move on.

  • The CBS program can be viewed online at

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/collateral-damage-60-minutes-bill-whitaker/?mc_cid=5be23debaa&mc_eid=2523b3d92d

CBS_60_minutes_cover

From Committee of 100:

a) PRESS RELEASE: Committee of 100 Commends U.S. Justice Department for Greater Oversight on National Security Cases| April 28, 2016

https://committee100.org/blog/2016/04/28/press-release-committee-of-100-commends-u-s-justice-department-for-greater-oversight-on-national-security-cases-april-28-2016/

b) Committee of 100 Commends CBS News and “60 Minutes” for Shining
Spotlight on Wrongful Prosecutions of Chinese Americans

 

 

My first 2016 5K run

After I joined the Howard County Runner group, I have always been motivated to keep my self fit and healthy. This Saturday’s Maryland Half Marathon at Maple Lawn was both a fundraiser event and my first major run. My time is 31 minutes 21 seconds.

By running with a group of people, we build a small dedicated community. We are running for fun, for healthy body and for energetic mind. It is not how fast we run. It is how much we enjoy overcoming difficulty and moving forward.

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2016-2017 CA new board and new tasks

We had a new board for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. We had a new board member from Town Center, Lin Eagan.

Andy Stack from Owen Brown is the new chair. Dick Boulton from Dorsey’s Search is the new vice chair.

This year, the board operation committee is running with a different structure. Besides the chair and vice chair, every other board member takes turn sitting in this committee. I will serve in the Board Operation Committee in July. The purpose of the Board Operations Committee is to ensure the effective functioning of the CA Board and to oversee the Board’s relationship with the CA President/CEO.  The Board Operations Committee (BOC) membership includes the chairs of the ERC, PSC and SIC Committees, as well as the chair of the CA Board of Directors.

I am also sitting at at Risk Management Committee. The purpose of the Risk Management committee is to oversee CA’s general liability self-insurance program.

There are many tasks coming:

  1. Continue improving customer service.
  2. Approve FY-2018 budget
  3. Implement new membership/pricing structure
  4. Pond Study, which will help us understand how much cost needed for pond maintenance.
  5. Five-year rolling Capital Budget (Facilities maintenance)
  6. Enhance CA’s influence in planning and development of Columbia:    
    1. Affordable housing in Downtown Columbia
    2. Redevelopment of Long Reach Village Center
    3. Redevelopment of Hickory Ridge Village Center
    4. Commercial covenants
    5. New Town Zoning
    6. New Welcome Center
  7. Develop an implementation plan to attract and retain young adults (CA facilities)
  8. Columbia’s 50th Birthday Celebration
  9. I have been working on a Columbia’s China Sister City program, which will continue.

 

 

2017 BOE budget, reply from County Executive

3 Comments

Share a letter from our county executive, Mr. Allan Kittleman.

Dear xxx,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) budget. I can certainly understand how some of the rhetoric and language being used regarding HCPSS’s allocation of budget funds has caused you, and other members of our community, concern.

To put things in perspective, my FY2017 Proposed Operating Budget provides an increase of $18.1 million from last year’s budget to HCPSS. This increase is also $7.2 million above the required Maintenance of Effort (MOE). The total FY2017 proposed school budget, including state and county funding, will increase by $32 million or 4.1% from last year. It is the second highest increase in the past eight years.  As expressed by a percentage, under my proposed FY 2017 operating budget, the HCPSS will receive nearly 59% of the budget.

The entire county-wide FY2017 proposed budget shows a revenue growth of $37 million from last year. HCPSS’s requested county funding increase is $68.5 million, or $25.5 million more than the total additional funding available to the entire County.  In other words, we have a $37 million increase in revenue from last year which is needed to fund public safety, recreation and parks, transportation, health and human services programs, other critical county programs AND the school system. As County Executive, I must propose a budget that represents the best interest of all Howard County residents by balancing different needs of our community while considering the tax burden of our tax payers. To fund HCPSS’s request would require me to raise property taxes an average of $531 per household or cut one-third of all County government services that our residents depend on. I am not willing to do that.

I also want to point out that my FY2017 Proposed Operating Budget for HCPSS fully funds the collective bargaining agreements (pay increases for teachers and other staff), 56 new positions for enrollment growth and special education. It also provides funding increases for every single category of the school budget including fixed charges or fringe benefits.  I do not believe that any cuts are necessary to existing programs at HCPSS as the funding increase that I have provided this year is consistent with funding increases in previous years. The record increase requested by HCPSS is certainly inconsistent with previous requests, as indicated in the below chart.

Fiscal Year ( I computed the percentage: difference/previous year budget*100)

BOE Request Difference from Previous Year
2007 $396.3 M $25.3 M
2008 $429.5 M $33.2 M  (8.4%)
2009 $458.8 M $29.3 M (6.8%)
2010 $457.2 M -$1.6  M (-0.35%)
2011 $464.7 M $7.5   M (1.6%)
2012 $467.6 M $2.9   M (0.6%)
2013 $485.9 M $18.3 M (3.9%)
2014 $507.2 M $21.3 M (4.4%)
2015 $530.4 M $23.2 M (4.6%)
2016 $547.1 M $16.7 M (3.1%)
2017 $612.6 M $68.5 M (12.5%)

The County Executive has the authority to specify where the budget dollars should go by category and this year, I proposed an operating budget with funding broken down by category. Once approved by the County Council, HCPSS would be required to seek approval of the County Council to move dollars from one category to another.

I strongly believe that the funding levels proposed for fixed charges and facilities are sufficient to meet the HCPSS needs. I am proud of the budget that I have developed and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both Howard County teachers and residents who understand that I have done my part to ensure negotiated salary agreements, special education, and 56 new positions will be funded without raising taxes or cutting much needed Howard County services.

Thank you again for reaching out to me.  If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Allan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those Columbia Downtown 5500 housing units

Just read the discussion at HCCA listserver. 5500 housing units were expanded to 6500. Just one simple math, that will give Columbia another 6500*4=26,000 more people.

  1. Assuming 10% of families, each has two school-age kids, that will lead to 1300 students. For CES, we have around 500 elementary school kids. So 1300 kids, in case all go to elementary school, there is going to have two new schools.
  2. 26,000 people will add to 100,000 for Columbia. This will change the politics in the county. Columbia will have larger weight in the voting. Probably it aligns more with the democratic party.
  3. I am wondering whether Columbia Association will get more annual charge or not.  The location should belong to Town Center Village.

 

QA with superintendent Dr. Foose at CES PTA meeting

2 Comments

I took some notes last night while attending our annual CES PTA meeting. If something was not correct, please let me know such that I can correct it.

Thanks for Xia and Daisy’s corrections.

CES PTA Meeting, QA with Superintendent Dr. Foose 5/10/16

1: World language (Spanish) is possible next year if money available. Otherwise, not possible. Passionate about second/third language.

2: Recommended elementary schooners will have homework for one-five hours per week. If exceeding 5 hours per work, parents should inform the principal.

  1. Some related flipped classroom question:  What is Flipped-classroom?

The flipped classroom is a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. Short video lectures are viewed by students at home before the class session, while in-class time is devoted to exercises, projects, or discussions

Teacher is more just a facilitator. Students come for help when needed.  Rolled out last Sept. There is a learning curve for teachers.  Currently we have one in middle school, several flipped classrooms in River Hill High. Teachers need be innovative.

  1. Common core question. Teach students how to solve the problems differently. We are not grading the steps any more such that different approaches are encouraged. We are looking for answers. Old-style mathematics are not good any more.

  2. Chao Wu’s question related to textbook and syllabus. HCPSS is trying to encourage teacher to post Syllabus online such that parent can follow and have a bigger picture about what they kids are doing in school. We will see more online textbooks. US Dept. of Education and publishers are moving in this direction. Some courses will stay open to state wide to get more revenue, especially health course for high school students.

  3. Elementary school model. Asset model versus deficit model. Departmentalized model: one teacher focus one subject only which increases the depth of the course.  Tele-medicine, etc.  not expanding the model depending the budget.

  4. PE curriculum. Some consulting may be needed?. How the data (weight and height) is used? Collaborate with Horizon Foundation to understand, trending the health data to improve food health, reduce obesity etc. Not look at each individual student data.

This summer, anybody under 18 will get free food ??.

  1. Removed kindergarten dedicated para-teacher title, not the teacher. The title is gone. They can be assigned to a different grade when needed.  Not cut the resources for kindergarten. Para-teacher are assigned to schools. They should be able to move around different grades.

  • Ration for kindergarten kids/teacher seems high. 24:1 is the threshold. We have lower number in lower grade.

  • GT teacher/student ration question, only depending on the overall numbers. We are using new indicators (SMA gone away). We are using a new system/approach to identify more talents. GT Enrollment in CES is going down.

  • Regular rotation timeline for staff. Very particular for each school. Some principal asks to transfer. No particular timeline for this kind of staff change.  Try to make the decision for the school and community.

  • Special education. Why the county does not afford a specialized diploma for special education? State law requirements: only two diplomas.

  • Intelligent student with physical conditions. How to help them?  If you are not getting support from the school level, please elevate to higher school level and county level.

  • Calendar question. School before Labor Day? The later we start, the later we go. Political reason asking for later school start time. State controller Peter Franchot prefers it because of more tourism revenue.

  • One forgiveness day for high school students. State Department of Education is controlling this. Montgomery asked for two and was declined.We don’t need to try it at all.

  • School starting time.  15 minutes late start time schools (current 925AM) at CES. Maybe 15 minutes earlier and ending 15 minutes late.  Current starting time is too late for two working families. HCPSS is working on that. Some argues that kids need get out earlier in the afternoon because many extra curriculum activities so late end time is not good for them.  It is under consideration and will have result soon.

  • High school start time. Can it start later? It is difficult. Shared experiences from other county: Fairfax, Montgomery,

    • A) If we start later, somebody need start earlier.  Conversation in BOE: put high-school/elementary in the same bus, or some other combinations.

    B) It cost too much money. 30 million-dollar question.

    1. How to limit standardized test. State law require PARCC test. New tests (MAP) are adaptive which is better for kids. This assessment can see the growth annually. Use a different test for GT test/screen. She believes it is better.
    1. Chao’s last question: How to increase the lunch time for kids (only 15 minutes now)? She said it was too difficult. Seems impossible.

    2016 HoCo District 13 Legislative Summary

    Just want to share this email from our district state senate Guy Guzzone.

    Below is a legislative update from District 13 which will give you more details about what occurred during this past legislative session. If you have already received this from one of the other legislators, please forgive the duplication.
    All the best,
    Guy
    Guy Guzzone
    Maryland State Senate, District 13
    __________________________________________________________________________
    Your District 13 Legislators, Senator Guy Guzzone, Delegates Vanessa Atterbeary, Shane Pendergrass and Frank S. Turner, are pleased to report to Howard County citizens some of our 2016 session highlights in Annapolis. Our efforts have resulted in increased resources that will benefit our community. A more detailed summary of the session can be found on the legislative website in the 90 Day Report.
    All bills are assigned to a Committee, and legislators can only vote on bills that are heard in their Committee or pass out of other Committees and come to the floor of the Legislature. If you received this wrap-up electronically, underlined bill numbers will link you to online information for those bills. You can read a .pdf text of any bill in its entirety by clicking on the bill number in the upper left of the individual bill. You can view the public hearing for any House or Senate bill by clicking on the camera under the individual bill. There is also a fiscal note/analysis of the bill listed to the right of “analysis.”
    HOWARD COUNTY LOCAL ISSUES
    CAPITAL BUDGET
    The Capital Budget includes money to fund the following projects in Howard County: $300,000 for the Community Action Council Food Bank, $250,000 for the Howard County Conservancy, $150,000 for Huntington Park, $100,000 for South Branch Park, $69,000 for Vantage House, and $20,000 for Solomon’s Lodge #121. In addition there is $10.3 million for the Howard Community College new Science, Engineering, and Technology Building Project, $2,000,000 for Merriweather Post Pavilion, and $2,500,000 for a new Sheppard Pratt Health Facility in Elkridge.
    SUCCESSFUL HOWARD COUNTY LOCAL LEGISLATION
    HB631 – Workers’ Compensation – Permanent Partial Disability – Howard County Deputy Sheriffs Ho. Co. 11-16
    HB632 – Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Luxury Restaurants and Farm Breweries – Licenses Ho. Co. 14-16
    HB654 – Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Class D Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses Ho. Co. 10-16
    HB655 – Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Class D Licenses Ho. Co. 7-16
    HB671 – Howard County – Practice of Massage – Regulation Ho. Co. 13-16
    HB1105 – Howard County Public School System – Access to Public Information Ho. Co. 9-16

    STATEWIDE ISSUES

    EDUCATION

    This year’s operating budget SB190/HB150 contains over $6.3 billion for K-12 education so that Maryland can retain its ranking as one of the best educational systems in the nation.  The budget also includes $1.5 billion for public colleges and universities to hold tuition increases to no more than 2 percent.

    The Capital Budget, SB 191/HB151, provided over $330.8 million for K-12 school construction.  The administration provided $280 million for education.  The legislature added $51 million, including $4.7 million for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, $6.1 million for aging schools, and $40 million for school construction for schools with growing enrollment.  The administration included $420 million for higher education in this budget, including $75.4 million for Historically Black Colleges. The legislature added an additional $5 million for the Universities at Shady Grove for a total of $36.5 million, $4.7 million for Morgan State Student Services, $60 million for community colleges, and $80 million in future years.

    In response to concerns about the amount of testing that students are required to take, HB1233 requires each county Board of Education to notify parents about standardized testing. HB633/SB794 ensures that the PARCC test is not part of teacher and principal evaluations.  HB657 turns the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment into a sampling test rather than a test given to every student.  HB412/SB533 increases transparency by requiring districts to annually report the amount of mandated testing in their schools.

    ENVIRONMENT

    HB1106/SB921 increases Maryland’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirement to 25% by 2020.   This bill will reduce climate pollutants, clean up our air, and create jobs in the solar and wind industries. HB610/SB323 requires the reduction of greenhouse gasses by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030.  HB1328 restricts the sale of aftermarket wheel weights containing lead and mercury which are proven neurotoxins. HB211/SB198 was amended to regulate the use of neonicotinoid pesticides by the general public in an attempt to limit the exposure of bees to these possibly harmful insecticides.   HB1603/SB937 requires the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to study and identify a science-based, sustainable harvest level for the state’s public oyster fishery.  HB462/SB383 increases the funding for Program Open Space, promising full funding by 2019.

    HEALTH

    HB1005/SB848 removes a co-payment requirement for contraceptives from most insurance company plans. HB1318/SB929 will help ensure that health insurance carriers have sufficient provider networks, including geographic accessibility, guaranteed average wait times for appointments, and provider-to-enrollee ratios for primary and specialty care providers, as well as accurate provider directories.  In response to the opioid overdose epidemic in Maryland, HB437/SB537 requires certain prescribers and all pharmacists to consult the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before prescribing certain frequently abused prescription drugs.  This allows pharmacists to monitor the order history of a patient when dispensing opioids.
    LEGAL ISSUES
    Noah’s Law, HB1342/SB945, was named after the Montgomery County police officer, Noah Leotta, who died after being hit by a drunk driver on Rockville Pike.  This bill requires all first-time DUI offenders to use an ignition interlock device before they can start their cars and increases penalties for anyone who refuses to participate in a breath test.  Criminal Justice Reform, HB1312/SB1005, is a comprehensive reform package that will focus prison beds on serious and violent offenders by: eliminating mandatory minimum sentences,  reducing penalties for drug possession offenses, diverting offenders with substance abuse disorders into treatment programs, and focusing harsh mandatory minimum penalties on high level drug dealers and kingpins.  HB155/SB278 amends the stalking definition to include conduct causing emotional distress.  HB409/SB564 increases the penalties for adults who supply alcohol to a minor to include up to 1 year in jail.  HB314/SB346 adds abuses for which an individual can seek a Peace Order, including misuse of social media, use of revenge porn, visual surveillance, and misuse of the telephone.
    OTHER 

    HB1113/SB663 prohibits the sale of any dog or cat in a public place except under certain circumstances which will help eliminate the sale of “puppy mill” animals. HB563/SB283 makes the possession of dog fighting equipment illegal.

    HB1013/SB908, passed over the Governor’s veto, provides transparency in transportation funding. It requires the administration to create a scoring system that rates each proposed road, bridge, or transit project that costs more than $5 million.  This law spells out nine criteria on which each project would have to be judged.  If the administration does not pick the top project, it would have to explain why not. The bill does not spell out which projects can be approved, nor does it address how to eliminate projects. Although it establishes 9 measures, it is left to the administration to create how the scoring system would work, and how much weight to grant each of those nine categories.  In summary, the law only requires the governor to issue public justification for not picking a top ranking project.  This bill does not require that he pick it.

    HB1003/SB481 mirrors federal law and prohibits discrimination by an employer based on gender identity and mandates equal pay for equal work.   The ABLE Program,HB431/SB355, creates a secure mechanism for funding expenses on behalf of beneficiaries with disabilities.  HB1378/SB1007 establishes a retirement saving program for the 1 million Marylanders who have no retirement savings.  It will ensure that businesses with payroll systems offer their employees payroll deductions or other retirement plans, and ends the $300 annual filing fee for businesses which offer such plans.

    BUDGET

    The operating budget SB190/HB150 is balanced and fiscally responsible.  The State has fully funded its pension obligation and is paying, at a minimum, an additional $75 million beyond what is mandated.  The $42.3 billion state budget includes no new taxes.  The budget leaves a $415 million unspent surplus for next year, and it stashes another $1 billion in a rainy-day fund.

    All three major rating agencies once again affirmed the State’s “AAA” bond rating. Maryland has the distinction of being 1 of 11 states in the country to maintain a “AAA” bond rating. The rating agencies consistently cite the relative strength of Maryland’s economy, tradition of sound financial management, and adherence to our debt affordability guidelines.

    The capital budget, SB191/HB151, funds building, construction, demolition, planning, renovation, conversion, replacement, and capital equipment for State facilities such as parks, hospitals, and public higher education institutions. Additionally, the budget funds local projects in every Maryland county, ranging from public schools to community health centers. This capital budget comes in under $995 million, the limit set by the governor for new general obligation debt.  In addition to the education funding, it includes $442 million for environmental initiatives, and $68 million for health and human services, including $27.5 million for the new Prince George’s Hospital

    We appreciate your participation in the legislative process and look forward to continuing our service to you and our community.

    Maryland State Senator Guy J. Guzzone – Howard County District 13
    Senator Guy Guzzone
    James Senate Office Building, Room 121
    11 Bladen Street
    Annapolis MD 21401 United States

    If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

    No way to keep lights on in HCPSS

    During the 2017 HCPSS budget process, I heard a lot from parents. However, the language “no way to keep lights on” used in a public hearing is a little political.

    Ref:
    http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/clarksville/ph-ho-cf-editorial-school-budget-hearing-0428-20160427-story.html

    Quote 1:
    “There’s simply no way to keep the lights on and pay basic operating costs in our schools under the county executive’s proposal,” O’Connor said, hinting at job cuts, furloughs and more pupils in classes.

    Quote 2:
    Yes, the school district didn’t get everything it demanded in its record-setting $856 million budget request.

    Quote 3:
    Under Kittleman’s recommendation, the county will provide $18 million more next year to the schools, which have remained among the highest-performing in the state.

    Anyway, we are going to have a newer board soon. Let’s shake it.

    One resident’s feedback on CA’s new membership and price

    This resident agreed to allow me to share his/her feedback on the new membership structure and pricing.  I did not change any part of his/her email.

    –begin–

    Dear CA Board Members,

    Having previously served on the CA Board, I’ve been aware of long-standing concerns by residents about CA’s recreational membership and rate structure.  But, unfortunately, CA staff’s current recommendations in its 4/8/16 memo do little to alleviate those concerns.  I suggest that you vote against the staff’s recommendations, or, at a minimum, table the issue until you can consider a proposal that is responsive to the serious concerns shown below.

    CA has been pricing itself out of the market.

    In recent years, many of CA’s recreational rates have increased to the point where people see less value in purchasing CA memberships.  The staff memo indicates that there are currently 19,379 memberships.  According to CA’s records, that is 3,674 fewer memberships than in FY2007, translating to a 16% reduction in CA memberships, even though the population of Columbia and Howard County has kept increasing since then.

    CA is steadily losing market share in Columbia.  In FY2007, CA had 48.6% of Columbia’s residents purchasing CA memberships.  In FY2012, that figure was down to 42.1%.  And now, given the latest membership numbers, resident market share is possibly below 40%.

    If CA is to reverse this trend, increase the volume of memberships, and increase income, it will need to lower prices to be more competitive with less costly public and private facilities in the area.  CA staff says that reducing prices could reduce income, but reducing prices could actually have the opposite effect and increase income by attracting new many customers and significantly boosting income from new memberships.

    CA’s membership options are not appealing

    For years, CA staff has configured membership options and prices that attempt to drive people to purchase the most expensive package, Package Plan Plus, even though few people actually have the time or inclination to use most of the facilities in the package.  The staff now recommends a membership structure that makes the situation even worse.  For example, the less costly regular Package Plan and Package Plan Without Golf would both be terminated.

    People look for flexibility when considering a purchase of a membership option.  And, the staff memo does have a section on an alternative called the A La Carte Membership Structure and Aquatics Membership, which provides that flexibility.  But, staff shows no price charts in its memo to accompany this promising alternative.  This alternative deserves a more complete analysis and serious consideration.

    CA does not sufficiently reward customer loyalty

    Too many CA customers feel that they are taken for granted and not rewarded for their loyalty in purchasing memberships year after year.  Renewing a membership provides so meager a discount that people see little downside from letting a membership lapse.  This is an especially important problem as demographics change and the proportion of seniors in our community increases.  And, many Columbia residents feel that, in return for choosing to live in Columbia and being subject to a hefty annual charge, they should pay much less than what non-residents pay for memberships.

    CA’s rate structure needs an overhaul so that people can rely on consistent and significant price differentials to reward loyalty.  For example, the price for  renewals could be consistently set at 25% less than new memberships.  The Senior discount could be set at 20% for new memberships and 30% for renewals.  Prices of memberships and classes for Columbia residents could be consistently 50% less than prices for non-residents, as was the policy in the earlier years of CA.  And, to be responsive to a larger senior population that leaves the Columbia area during winters, restoring the previous policy of allowing temporary suspensions of memberships to take into account “Snowbirding” by seniors.  Sufficiently rewarding loyalty in these ways has the potential to induce many more people to buy and retain CA memberships.

    Thanks for considering my suggestions,

    –end–

    which is worse

    Some common sense thought:

    1. Somebody sells drugs to 100 young teenagers and destroy them and their families. This is so-called a non-violent crime now.
    2. Another person shoot a teenage in the head and the victim dies. This is a violent crime.

    I am tired of seeing/hearing newspaper or radio headlines of “non-violent crimes, show mercy”. A drug dealer is not a non-violent criminal. They can be given clemency only when he/she shows the greatest intention to say sorry, works hard to find new way of life. Otherwise, clemency to them is a crime to those law-bidding citizens.

    At the same time, in general a person who takes drugs should be treated by hospital, not prison. With the care of hospital and family, they may gradually remove their alliance on drugs. It takes time and love to help them succeed and drop the habit.