Beating A Dead Horse

I had to return to the topic of the proposed salary increase for Rotterdam Town Board members because despite the raise being defeated at the most recent meeting, the horse appears only semi-dead. Newly elected Mr. Della Villa and Mr. Silva joined Supervisor Tommasone in saying no to the raise…but couched their votes in dialogue that opened the door and even seemed to support a pay raise during the next budgetary process. (In fact, the vote stalemated at 2-2 with Mr. Della Villa being absent but recording his sentiments against nonetheless.) This raise was rightly defeated on procedural issues but I still oppose a raise even if considered within proper budgetary discussion.

For now, no raise. So what’s my problem?

I don’t accept the logic being used to support a raise. Mr. Mertz and Mr. Signore have made arguments about how long it’s been since the last raise and how the increase will attract better candidates for office for both parties. Even Mr. Della Villa and Mr. Silva seem to accept those arguments in their dissent and seemed poised to pass a raise at their next opportunity.

I’ll use Mr. Silva’s argument to illustrate my case, only because his view was stated in some length. First, he expounded on how little money the extra $5000 per person is, yet then made the case for how that increase would somehow attract more magical candidates. How can it be both ways? Further, he then talked about how candidates are driven by their desire to serve and not by any advertised salary, he himself not even knowing there was a salary as he campaigned door-to-door. He was running to try to make a difference.

I don’t dispute the Town Board works very hard. I don’t dispute that the current $10,000 salary probably doesn’t compensate them properly for all the hours they devote, nor would $15,000. The fact of the matter is they will never be compensated at a level anywhere near what might be expected in the private sector. Never. Ever. I believe their salary ought to be a token one anyway.

The position and the desire to serve attracts people or it doesn't. Simple. If you’re looking for compensation for that privilege, then you’re looking in the wrong place.

There are a few other considerations in this matter. Primarily, what’s best for the residents? 2008 looks increasingly like the beginning of an economic recession. Energy and food prices are breaking the back of nearly everyone, adding to the ever-increasing tax burdens we all shoulder. The Town of Rotterdam is light years behind in possessing adequate infrastructure to support its population. I personally find it insulting that a pay raise is even being contemplated against that backdrop. Factor in the eventual slippery slope element of disparities versus the current Supervisor’s salary and County Legislature salaries and you’ve opened Pandora’s Box.

Money is scarce. It’s about to get more scarce. Let’s forget talk about boosting salaries and put any resources toward things that need doing…no matter how little some think $20,000 is.