We should all look to politicians and elected officials as civil servants and virtually at our bidding. However, the job should pay decently. The amount they are getting as a raise I am sure pales in comparison to the amount that is funneled through shady business deals throughout their terms.
The conventional wisdom is, “Why give them what they will steal anyway?”
If there is any expectation that the officials won’t steal, they must first be adequately compensated for their (loose) service to the state. The previous salary virtually demands that the official dabble in some sort of other business enterprise and the fire-breathing starts there. It’s prudent to at least pay the legislation a wage that creates a palpable atmosphere where they shouldn’t steal any more. Greed is powerful but, at 16K a year, most expect it.
The expectation is among the first things that needs to be done away with. The foregone conclusion is that the politicians don’t deserve it and deserves really doesn’t have anything to do with it. If the expectation is that the politicians shouldn’t steal, the state should put some money down.
The politicians are the teen-agers and the citizens of Louisiana are the parents…
“Now little Billy, I have raised your allowance from $5 to $20, so I shouldn’t notice any more folding money missing from my billfold should I?”
Instead, the politicians are the disgruntled employee pilfering coffee packets as a defacto fringe benefit for his or her paltry salary.
Point taken that fiscal compensation from the state probably inspires an aspiring politician about as much as serving their constituency does. However, if the winds of change are to ever sweep through the legislature, the basic provisions for the honest officials should be in place. The state needs to do its part and say, for a double income family, 50K plus what ever your spouse makes should be enough.
Next up for them: Stiffer punishments and quicker recalls and impeachments.
Essentially, I agree with this. The legislative pay rate should at least be a living wage. Not only does it de-incentivize corruption but it helps to remove the prohibition against all but the most independently wealthy individuals seeking office.
On the other hand, it’s difficult to argue that the performance of this legislative body (chemical castration, school vouchers, creationism, etc.) has merited any sort of reward.
Frankly I’m just fascinated with the way PBJ is currently mishandling this political football.
I still say they haven’t earned a pay raise, regardless of the thought that paying them more may lead to less corruption.