The best part of state and federal government holidays is that it reminds us of life before "big government."
I live in the sticks, in Granville, and watch the morning news shows for the latest in world events and weather. Mixed in are the traffic reports. The one thing that is always consistent, no matter what time of year, are the traffic reports on holidays.
With so many Capital Region commuters employed by government, these drivers add years to the time it takes to get to work over our lifetimes. Yet, when there is a holiday and the government people stay home, the commute is almost unnoticeable.
I imagine the private sector has some of its most productive days at this time. They must arrive at work relaxed and focused, with a reinforced purpose for life. My suggestion for our economic recovery would be to make four out of five workdays a holiday for our government employees. That would boost the mental health of most New Yorkers and there would be no noticeable effect on services.
Matthew Mulligan
Granville