A couple of weeks ago, we gave a "Thumbs down" to Fresno County supervisors for voting to give the county's new administrative officer, an 18% raise beginning July 1 -- from $157,040 to $185,000 -- on the same day they cut 37 health jobs.
From the South Valley today, we see at least two Tulare County supervisors who seem to have a better understanding of the "shared sacrifice" concept.
Supervisors Mike Ennis and Pete Vander Poel said at Tuesday's board meeting they would decline their 4.56% raises that are set to begin in March in light of recent employee layoffs and the state's budget situation.
The board voted Jan. 13 to lay off about 200 Health and Human Services Agency employees and to close clinics in Tulare and Lindsay because of declining state funding.
"I'm a big proponent that when you're laying off employees, I don't think anyone should be receiving raises," Vander Poel said.
Supervisor Allen Ishida said he had not decide whether to take the pay raise. I don't know, Mr. Ishida. I think your colleagues have set the bar pretty high and that your constituents -- many of whom are getting no pay raises or are unemployed -- will be watching to see what sacrifices elected leaders are willing to make.
A case of 'do as I say, not as I do', how very sad that elected officials will not take a hit when they ask so many others..........making far less, are asked to give and give. Shame!!!!!
If they could go to Sac and every other city to teach them about sacrifice. Those are the kinds of elected officials that are respected.
Maybe we should talk about parity and fairness instead of sacrifice. To give up a bit from a six digit income is no sacrifice. But having to give up from less, that is sacrifice; it's hardship. I have seen the Clovis City Council from being without pay to making more than many home owners who come to the City for a permit to fix a leaking roof with the cost for the permit costing an arm and a leg. Kudos to the Tulare County officials.
More symbolic B.S. to gain "Brownie Points".Keep the money and pick up trash on weekends...that would show me something.
You really have a grasp on economics don't ya Brian? What a man.
MOI knows many brilliant folks in Fresno......he should as he chats with many. A new 'friend' on Facebook wrote a letter to voice her concerns and allows MOI to tell you of it;
Dear Supervisor Anderson,
I don't get a chance to attend your meetings downtown but I watch proceedings on Cable TV. Just to confirm that I am one of your consituents who voted for you: I live at 4904 N. Arthur on a very modest income as a performing pianist, recording artist, private piano teacher.
People like myself who are sole supporting and have not reaped 6 figure salaries, or anywhere near that are outraged by what we read in Bill McEwen's column. I think what stands out for me as shocking is that Supervisors earn $100,000 per year and get automatic pay raises every time Superior Court Judges obtain them. Yet they are quick to slice the pay of people who are just about making it from day to day, like the woman described in McEwen's article. While I know that you voted against a most recent budget slash and I appreciate that, I cannot applaud the over the top salaries Supervisors receive and the fact that there are no term limits associated with the position.
I hope there is enough public pressure on Supervisors and our other elected public officials to not only make every decision concerning our County public, but to change the salary structure so it is commensurate with a reeling recession that is impacting Fresno's residents. If we have to make sacrifices so do our elected officials. I think this is becoming universally accepted.
Sincerely,
Shirley Kirsten, M.A.
Make MOI proud that the lovely lady took the time to tell how she felt. How grand it would be if more took the time to write a letter.
Kim...thanks for the edification.Seems like there's a lot of this concern going on now that the car has gone over the cliff.
Good stuff =)