Mayor Richard is apparently trying to take care of his fellow Democrat Tom Henry. The local papers are reporting that Richard will be asking for an increase of $10,000 for the incoming mayor. One has to wonder why the Mayor did not make this request back when City Council worked with the 2008 budget? I am sure there is a good reason but it escapes me.
I spent a few minutes checking out what some mayors make across the United States make. Henry will not be going to Arlington Texas because the mayor there only makes $90,000.
Toss out Tulsa, Oklahoma as the Mayor down there hauls down only $105,000. With cost of living adjustment Henry would need $125,000.
You will not find Henry applying for Omaha, Nebraska either. The Mayor there makes the insulting low salary of $95,000. Henry would need at least $131,000 to make it worth his while.
Besides being cold, Flint, Michigan would fail to attract Henry. The Mayor only takes home $100,000 and Henry would need $122,000.
The real kicker is Oakland, California. The Mayor there makes 183,000 a year. However, Henry would need to hold out for $270,000 to make it equal what he will be making in Fort Wayne for the 2008 year.
Now this issue will be going to City Council.
I hope the old story of attracting top talent does not sway council. They may consider having their research person check what other cities across the United States are doing. I think, they will learn that the Mayor of Fort Wayne is pretty close to the top, for a city our size, in annual salary.
The News-Sentinel story is at:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/NEWS/711150330
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7 comments:
When did Henry say ANYTHING about this? This is being pushed by mayor Richard (as he tried to do months ago, before the election) and yet you're blaming Henry?
That makes no sense. Henry does not have mind control over Graham Richard. Put the blame where it lies - with the current mayor...
Agreed,Jeff...as I said in my blog YESTERDAY (to those that never visit there), it's all about the ARROGANCE of King Richard...plain and simple.
If (on the other hand) Henry wants to go along for the ride, that's another issue altogether.
;)
B.G.
Jeff & Bobby,
Say the three of us are good party friends. I am not seeking some elected office again. One of you decide to run and win. Cool.
I know that the budget passed a couple months ago setting the pay for everyone in the city. Agree?
I know that I could put you in hot water in I just send a salary increase to city council. Agree to this point?
Would I say the heck with either of you and just do it? Or would I call you and ask what you think about it?
Henry has not denied knowing about it. Or that Richard just went out on his own and did it. If he would have said either I would buy what you are saying 100%.
According to this afternoon's paper, Tom Henry has said he wouldn't take the raise:
here is the article
Is Tom Henry's transition team reading the blogs?
I wrote two days ago that Henry could decline the raise. On Wednesday, Mr. Henry suggested "increasing the salary of the mayor and other top administration officials would help the city attract skilled workers who now can make more in the private sector." No indication was given then that he would decline it.
Declining the raise creates a win-win-win for him: City Council was never going to approve it anyway, he looks conservative on spending, and he appears to be asserting his own agenda over the Richard Administration.
Thanks Karen
BTW,
The newspaper listed the salary of the Akron, Ohio Mayor's salary. Using the cost of living index Henry's $120,000 equals the buying power $134,211 in Akron.
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