Even Santa can't keep his job these days
It’s Friday, yes, but we’ve still got a disheartening challenge for you.
Quick, name the most depressing job news of the day: is it that a) Canada suffered its largest monthly employment loss since 2009, b) the U.S. only grew a pathetic 80,000 jobs in October, or c) Santa may have to pawn his reindeer.
Yes, word came down this week that, amid gloomy jobs figures from across North America, one Long Island county might have it worst this week.
It’s had to fire Santa.
According to Newsday, Suffolk County in New York is so strapped for cash it’s been forced to can its longtime Santa Claus.
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The 83-year-old that’s played Kris Kringle for nine years, a retired cop, will be out his $660 this year because Suffolk can’t afford to pay.
“With 750 people facing layoffs and state aid cuts to our health centers, our budget situation constantly forces us to make tough choices,” a spokesman for Suffolk County’s executive said this week. “The alternative is always there for … a volunteer willing to play Santa for the kids.”
Suffolk is facing a $135 million budget shortfall, Newsday notes, so it’s not surprising the county is exercising a little belt tightening. That said, axing Santa and his whopping $660 salary hasn’t become the most popular decision among locals.
“I know our fiscal condition is dire, but I don’t know it’s that bad that we have to fire a part-time Santa,” another public official said. Suffolk is currently looking for volunteers to pick up the Santa slack.
In fairness, Santas have been fired before. One English Claus was canned in 1981 for turning a four-year-old girl away, and last year a San Francisco Santa was dismissed for telling a naughty joke to kids.
But this was all supposed to done with the economy bouncing back. Santas were laid-off in 2008; that another has been fired in 2011, then, might be proof we’re not quite back to strength, after all.
Posted by: buy and sell | Nov 7, 2021 4:28:15 AM
that's sad. but doesnt he have his pension? that should be enough for his monthly expenses for now.
Posted by: judy goulette | Nov 9, 2021 11:26:17 AM
Santa may have his pension, but you can rest assured that his pension is nothing compaired to the pensioins of the city officials that decide to lay him off. It is to easy to take from the poor and make them poorer and give to the rich and make them richer. Many of our pensioners have made it possible for the fat cats to be fat, and their reward is to be given a penance for their old age. Thanks all you government officials that make living so high off the hog for us seniors. Perhaps another can of peas at the food bank will help
Posted by: Blame the Anti-Clause | Nov 9, 2021 4:19:30 PM
Personally I think that maybe the likes of Ernie Madoff, Fannie Mae and Fredie Mac employees should volunteer to be Santa. I think that a lot of people will be hopeing for just enough food to make it through christmas this year, let alone what will be under the tree. It would be interesting if they had to hear the kids ask for caned soup, or enough money for that medical proceedure for mom/dad so they won't die before the holidays because medical insurance won't cover it.
Posted by: Ed | Nov 9, 2021 11:10:19 PM
I am a senior on fixed income and I find this abhorent that a man that has spent his life 'to serve and protect', and brought countless smiles and joy to little hearts is treated like this. I would be willing to cover half of the costs if I knew how to get it there. From Canada,, Merry Christmas to all.