Killer living wage

  Business owner Robbie Day is absolutely correct to dispute the findings of the study on the so-called “living wage” reported in the Sept. 15 article, “Study says city strong since wage increase.”

  As a business owner for 20 years in downtown Santa Fe, I can tell you that the higher wages have affected all small businesses adversely.

  Add to the high rents and the “living wage” the fact that tourism is undeniably down, and small businesses not selling expensive items are being driven out. Walk the downtown streets and you will see signs on almost all stores advertising for “help wanted.”

  With $9.50 as the present “living wage,” any half-way decent employee demands $12 to $14 an hour.

  Businesses can’t afford to give raises to good employees because even an untrained high-school part-timer has to be paid $9.50.

  Consequently, the guy who’s worked well for years is being paid the same as the neophyte.

  Where did our mayor and these city councilors go to school?

 Joette O’Connor

 Santa Fe