Editorial: Summertime

We know that summertime and living is easy applies to Berkshire County especially to Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge.

We might even say it about Great Barrington and North Adams.

Pittsfield, as the county seat, probably would not equate everyday living as easy.

Williamstown-now nine months out of the year when Williams College is in full force – Easy.

Summertime for Central Berkshire County is one of attracting tourists and having them stay and attend the many venues during the summer months.

Living is easy. Some say: Carefree.

The weather has cooperated for the most part this summer: Hot & humid.

This was the type of weather we experienced yesterday. We know the weather will change with rain along with lowering temperatures.

But for many of us…the living is easy might better equate to Living is Good.

On the other side of the coin, small businesses have had to raise their prices, cut their service and become more accountable as the spending power of residents and tourists alike have decreased.

“It is not like the old days when one could open their store, do the work and collect from a customer,” according to one Lee merchant. The “spread” between costs and profit have narrowed, he said.

It is not easy out there with real estate taxes, insurance coverage, maintenance of the building/property, utility costs etc.

Today, the small merchant is struggling. Loans are more difficult to get. There is a lapse in time between customers.

One may look at the hospitals and note that their numbers don’t always reflect profit. Also, local area car dealers may have shiny vehicles that sit longer on the car lot. So, too, bankers are looking for customers to loan money.

If we can come up with a game plan for the survival and enrichment for one and all, then our communities can apply the token words: “Living is easy.”

Posted by George C. Jordan III on September 12, 2013. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry