I have read with interest, the stories of businesses and problems with doing business in the city. I would like to add my perspective as a home owner and single parent.
Last year I refinanced my home to do some long overdue work including a new roof, fence, etc. One of things that my, almost 100 year old, house needs is a new furnace. I asked a friend at work for a recommendation and called the company he suggested. The owner called me and I explained the setup with my house and the existing system. He gave me a "ball park" quote of approximately $7,000 but said he would have to see the house before he could give me a actual bid. I gave him my address and his response was "No way! I will not work in Minneapolis." He said that he had in the past and that the hassles were just not worth it. Disappointed, I asked him if he could at least recommend someone who does work in Minneapolis and he gave me a couple of names. Using the same description as above, their "ball park" quotes came in at $14,000 and $15,000. When I asked why their prices were so much higher I was told that it was the cost of doing business in Minneapolis. My personal opinion is that when you limit the number of businesses that provide a service, the remaining ones can pretty much charge whatever they want. Needless to say, I am still using my original furnace. I already pay twice as much for car insurance and substantially more for water/sewer service than my suburban counterparts . My property taxes have almost doubled in the last few years and will double again in the coming few years. I am a single parent, (currently working only one job) and fighting just to keep my head above water. I just can't get ahead in Minneapolis. I have been struggling for 10 years and I give up! When my youngest graduates from high school next year my house will go up for sale and I will be out of here. I have lived in Minneapolis for 32 years and I can't afford it anymore! Catherine Leighton Live in Longfellow/Work North East REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
