I am discovering an alarming trend here in Stamford, nobody wants my money.

Right in the middle of an economic downturn, local service providers seem to have no interest in taking my business.

Driveway - I have called two local companies to provide an estimate repaving my driveway. Both came to meet with me, both very pleasant, and then left and never called me back with an estimate. Phone calls back to them go unanswered. Another service provider provides an estimate but then falls off the face of the earth.

Roofing - I have about a 300sq foot section of roof which needs to be replaced. I received 1 (overpriced) estimate to fix the roof and all other companies never call me back to set up a time to meet. Roofing companies seemed to be against using answering machines or cell phones.

Tree Service - I need one single dead tree removed on my property and can have the wood left on the spot. First service provider comes out, is very professional and provides an estimate for $2000. Second provider comes out and provides an estimate for $700. I approve the $700 estimate and ask when they can come out. He responds that Tuesday of last week will work great. Tuesday rolls around, the guy never shows up or calls.

Microwave Repair - I drop off my microwave to be repaired at an unamed local repair shop…it takes me two weeks to have someone return my calls to find out the status of the problem and approve the repair costs.

What is with these people? For all three of these jobs I cannot tell you how many people I called and never get any type of response back from. Even when I tell them I want to pay them for their work, they dont care and never provide their services. I think I need a full time assistant who does nothing but call local businesses for repair services. I cannot imagine an instance at my work were a customer would call with an order and I would choose to ignore it. Are Stamford businesses doing so well that they can be this selective?

A lot of people may say “you get what you pay for”, but I feel like I am calling on the most reputable busineeses in the area. My latest trick is going with people who advertise on the bulletin boards in supermarkets, if the have the drive to do gurellia marketing, I hope they will at least return my call

I’m back! (jr, not Mr. S) I’ve been busy with work and working out (I’m HUGE). Anyway, on to the blogging…

The Advocate website has the latest article in their 5000-part series about the EVIL DECEPTICON DESTRUCTION of the cherry trees in Mill River Park. There’s nothing new in the article, just like there’s nothing new in the inane comments posted below it; it’s just the same usual blathering about “How dare they destroy Stamford’s heritage??”, “This will only benefit people in the Trump building,” and “Why do they keep trying to make Stamford into a mini New York?” (A stupid phrase that Blog Stamford railed against.)

Some highlights, followed by my comments:

“More and more Stamford natives are leaving their hometown because of the urban spread which continues even after people attend meetings and are opposed to it.” Urban spread? They’re building on brownfields and empty lots, not spreading out!

“There are ways to keep our city from getting more and more traffic due to the high-rise building sprouting up all over Stamford.” WRONG! High-density development will decrease traffic. Sheesh.

“The only one benefitting from this mess is the Real Estate crews and contractors that the City always hires to mess things up.” Um…how about the people who will enjoy a revitalized Mill River Park? Some people just have to make everything sound like a plot to put money in politicians’ friends’ pockets.

“I have yet to hear a reason why a world class, ecologically sound park centrally located in the center of the city is a worse alternative to a poorly maintained pocket park lining a concrete pond that is a vestige of a no longer relevant industrial past.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.