Time for pay-hike fight to reach new level

Discussion

October 11, 2006

Letter to the Editor

John DeVillier The Port Arthur News Wed Oct 11, 2006, 09:57 AM CDT

I was as happy as any Jefferson County taxpayer to see that 18 percent pay hike for elected officials tossed in the trash.

Now it’s time for some of those opposing the pay increases to take the fight to another level: the U. S. Congress.

I say “some” because unlike the grassroots, bi-partisan effort in our county, this one will have to be spearheaded by the GOPers, since the Democrats have had little influence in Washington in recent years.

Yessir, it’s time to repeat that stunt we saw at the courthouse: find a young Rita victim, rattle her penny bank at every member of Texas’ Congressional delegation, and tell them that their 21 percent salary increase since 1998 is more than they deserve.

Say to them that raising the annual pay of Senators and Representatives from $136,700 to $165,200 during the years when the minimum wage has been frozen at a miserly $5.15 an hour isn’t just fiscally irresponsible but borders on the immoral.

Remind them of their generous expense accounts, perks, retirement benefits and superior medical care – and future opportunities as lobbyists.

But bring a bag lunch if you expect the quick retreat we saw in Jefferson County.

John DeVillier

Groves TX

Text Only

Letters to the Editor

District 36 voters have many choices...or not
May 22, 2012
Sanitation workers give display of Americanism
November 30, 2011
Should Obama get credit or blame?
In a long Saturday Nov. 12 feature column, the writer suggested that President Obama "could only take credit or blame for those things that are the result of his ideas." He then listed twelve items for consideration in making that assessment. An only slightly edited version of those twelve items will make them more useful for that purpose and that version follows. (1) President Obama inherited Bush's Great Recession....which had actually been created, not by Bush, but by a failed seventy year experiment in socialism. (2) He stabilized the banking system....using borrowed money. (3) He extended unemployment benefits....using borrowed money. (4) He reduced taxes....using borrowed money. (5) He signed a health-care law....funded by borrowed money. (6) A nuclear arms treaty was signed with the Soviet Union....which had been defeated by Ronald Reagan twenty years ago. (7) Job loss steadily decreased and eventually has resulted in job gains....among government workers and funded by borrowed money. (8) Obama saved the three American auto companies....using borrowed money. (9) He passed a stimulus plan....using borrowed money. (10) Several Al Qaeda leaders were killed....by our remarkable military teams trained during the Bush Administration. (11) The President is trying to solve the nation's short and long-term economic problems....using borrowed money. (12) President Obama has been willing to compromise....in order to raise taxes or borrow more money.
Based on the writer's list, does President Obama deserve credit or blame?
Ramon Hill
Port Arthur

November 23, 2011
From Internet taxes to the FLEA Party
November 3, 2011
Our children need protection
October 21, 2011
Congratulations on UIL marching contest
October 21, 2011
Gov. Perry shows lifetime of commitment to America
October 6, 2011
Victim’s wife thanks jury members
September 22, 2011
Sunday page covered many topics
September 22, 2011
Local family SHAREs home with Belgium student
August 11, 2011
More Letters to the Editor Headlines

Letters to the Editor

Search Results

Discussion

Time for pay-hike fight to reach new level

Letter to the Editor

Site Map

Contact Us