NEW RAISES FOR ALL, AND IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BUDGET TIMES, ALAS

The most aggravating part, to me, trying to serve as a taxpayer advocate for all taxpayers, is the sheer greed and nerve of certain politicos.

The part really irking me is this jockeying for more monies for the Council members and our new incoming Mayor, all without public knowledge.

Guess this may be where I come in. At this time, the City Council makes $9,500.00 per year; but the President of the Council receives an additional $50.00 per month ($600.00 extra per year).

Budgets are not until the following year. If you, as elected officials, do not follow the budgetary processes -- why should you get any type of raise?

Maybe government budgeting has changed since I was involved in the Federal end -- BUT I DO NOT THINK SO.

If you wanted raises for one and all, it should have been in this past budget and if not, wait until the next budget process.

The word on the street are ($) dollar signs starting floating in front of a few of their eyes when they saw Jeff's officials' salaries.

The Council is talking from going from $9,500.00 per year to between $12,000.00 or $13,000.00 -- they haven't firmed that part up yet.

The Mayoral salary would like to be increased by some (hmmmm.....) up $8,900.00.

These are my views and opinions on same - just so no one mistakes who's views and opinions they are:

1. Past Budget time; show some restraint and wait until the Budget process, please.

2. Each elected official knew exactly how much money they would be making and I wonder why now it is just not enough without taking more from us?

3. What do you feel as a Council you have achieved in order to deserve such a large raise? Why not a simple 3% like everyone else? Yes, I know you only got 1% under Overton; 1% under Garner -- but I'm not buying into the I feel sorry for you routine.

4. Ditto with the Mayoral salary. Why now? Why not wait until the Budget process?

Just my questions and opinions -- like anyone every answers any type of public questions posed to them...

Peace

Gee, why do we KEEP HAVING TO ASK for the "rules" of order and proper government procedures? Irritating, I tell you, irritating.