I have to wonder some times...

[Occhidiangela]

While browsing CNN during a late lunch, I came accross a CNN/Money article talking about the high salaries paid in some state/local governments to certain groups. The author was complaining that fire fighters, police officers, and similar saftey officers could earn up to $130K/year. Question, what about such folks as Assistant Associate City Managers for pot holes, sidewalks, dog poop, etc., all of whom generall earn well in excess of $100K. Oh... I forgot... they're "Highly educated" and "Well Qualified" compared to the cop who gets shot at on the street. My question is, if you're taking pot shots at what public safety employees are being paid (I wonder how much value the author places on her personal safety), why not look at the bloated executive level of municipal government? (Example, Collier County FL brought in a new school super from Rockford, IL... the first thing he did was start bringing in his cronies from Rockford, all at salaries in excess of $100K). I guess the author places the blame on "unionization" of the public saftey group. Municipal executives also have unions... the good ole boys club and recruiters.

Ain't none of it fair. All the unions did was try to make it less unfair. Maybe that's the best that can be hoped for.

As to white collar talent, there is a reason for looking hard for highly qualified and thus slightly high priced talent for city and county jobs.

When decisions and plans are made, there are profound ripple effects, be it water distribution, roadways, educations infrastructure projects, on multi million dollar porposals and budgets. That idea that we need to hire sharp people to do this is not a bad one.

Whether or not the average city manages to attract that level of talent is another matter. :P

Occhi