| What would you think if somebody's salary increased by a factor of four over a twenty year period? What if the job hadn't changed? Suppose this person was the one who raised his own pay? NOW, what would you think if you were the one responsible for paying their salary? The reason I'm asking is that if you were here in Kitsap County in 1972 and elected John Horsley, you've participated in doing just that. By the time he left office in 1992, his commissioner salary had increased four times! This continues today. The practie of commissioners increasing their own pay goes on today with the present County Commission. With pension, pay, and benefits, each Commissioner today now costs the taxpayers way over $100,000 per year. Is this worth it for a government controlled by a majority of only two persons? It is obviously not a good system of either governing or for determining compensation for our elected officials. Determination of pay needs to be under better civic control. If you feel that this situation needs changing, then help support the charter to be voted upon in February. The charter will require an elected officer civic compensation board to meet and make recommendations. To control other costs, there will be financial and performance audits that will be assisted and advised by a volunteer audit and advisory board. There are some people opposing the charter who complain that it will cost too much. Don't be fooled! These are the same tax-and-spend folks who are driving our budget and taxes out of sight ($50M increase per year at last count!) For the cost of two more offices, some computers and some relocation of existing staff, we can obtain real separation of executive and legislative powers and real budgeting protection in our county. It is well worth it to invest a few dollars now and save multi-millions annually! Please support your new county charter with your vote.
Sincerely,
Karl Duff
Port Orchard, WA. |
