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177 The public hearing was opened. Mr. Joe Szakos, 1132 Otter Street, Executive Director of the Virginia Organizing Project (VOP), noted that there was a donfino effect after the City raised all its employees' salaries to $8 an hour, and it is time for the City to take another bold move. Mr. Szakos said that studies have shown that you get the best quality when you use the best value concept. In addition, if people are paid better, the City will not need to provide as many social services. Mr. Szakos said that a cost of living provision needs to be added to the ordinance. Mr. Szakos said that if people no longer have to work two to three jobs they can be home to help their children with their education. Mr. Tom Grinde, 2140 North Pantops Drive, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, urged Council not to approve the ordinance, but instead to continue building alliances to help get people real skills. Mr. Grinde said the ordinance is a bad means toward a good end. Mr. Nicholas Graber Grace, a University of Virginia student, encouraged Council to support the ordinance and to change the level to a minimum of $8.65 an hour. Mr. Graber Grace said living wage is a family value and allows people to spend more time with their families. Mr. Graber Grace said that people contracting with the City should provide good jobs with good health benefits. He said it is not acceptable to sunset the ordinance after one year. Mr. Timothy Hulbert, 2246 Brandywine Drive, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber and its business members will continue to be partners with the City, but questioned why Council should impose a divisive ordinance. Mr. Hutbert requested that the City seek and obtain a formal legal opinion from the Attorney General as to the legality of the proposed ordinance before taking action. Mr. Ivo Romanesco, 117 Bollingwood Road, said that poverty is unacceptable, but he echoed Mr. Hulbert's comments, and said he thinks it is important to get a legal opinion. Mr. Romanesco said that Council needs to work together with the schools. Mr. Spot Etal, 912 Woodfolk Drive, said that being able to get safe and reasonable housing and food is important, and he asked Council to make sure that justice is served. Mr. Ben Thacker Gwaltney, 308 Montevista Avenue, thanked Council for taking the issue seriously. Ivlr. Thacker Gwaltney said he does not know why the exceptions are included in the ordinance, adding that with all the exemptions the ordinance becomes just a symbolic act. He objected to the sunset clause. Mr. Thacker Gwaltney said that even though the Chamber of Commerce opposed the ordinance, he believes the director personally supports it, Ms. Dena Bowers, 106 George Rogers Road, a human resources professional, said she believes she can speak for low wage earners. Ms. Bowers said there is no job security for contract employees and localities must take the lead in raising the minimum wage since the federal government will not. Ms. Tondra Houston, 1609 Madison Avenue, a member of Public Housing Association of Residents, said that the ordinance should not be sunsetted, there are too many exemptions, and a cost of living adjustment shonld be included. Ms. Tonya McDonald, South 1st Street, said that her husband had been unable to spend quality time with her son because he needed to work. Ms. McDonald said it is necessary to increase the living wage as it brings a sense of dignity. Mr. Alexis Ziegler, Ridge Street, said that a clear majority in his neighborhood support the ordinance. Mr. Ziegler said that the exemptions need to be clarified or removed. Ms. Kathy Icenhour, 500 South 1st Street, said she favors a living wage of $8.