In order to head off future water crises like the recent one in Austin, we must put in place a system that allows the price of water usage to move with its current value. We already charge heavy users more per gallon than light users, and we need to allow the price, at least for the heavy users, to adjust as supplies diminish.
Austin's recently passed ordinance requiring paid sick leave adds one more layer of difficulty for small- and medium-sized businesses. In a growing city with a young population, the creation and expansion of new, interesting, and innovative firms and even industries play an essential role in providing the needed job opportunities and services. Taking away the flexibility of such firms to determine their own mix of compensation when competing for workers inhibits this type of growth.
