Let the Region "Pay for Play" at SMC

By Susanne Trimbath, Ph.D.

There are better ways to allocate costs and benefits.

There are more efficient ways to allocate costs and benefits within the region. One idea is to establish an inter-government exchange for the services SMC provides to non-residents at the cost of taxes, traffic and tension for Santa Monica residents. Another is to enlist support from regional businesses in recognition of SMC's contribution to maintaining a skilled labor pool. The last thing we want is a steep resident/non-resident fee structure that would defeat our vision of being a regional center for lifelong learning.

I can't promise to make the changes happen alone. What I can promise is to try to make the changes and not to cave in to the status quo.