[Winona Online Democracy] I have just finished reading the Winona Daily News article about the raise that the City Council voted for itself, and I am stunned! Tim Breza was absolutley right to question the ethics--or political expediency-- of even a modest pay increase for city council members during this time of severe local budget cuts. The city, for example, slashed the public library's budget. The library had to cut $30,000 in its new materials budget, reduce hours, and reduce staff, thereby limiting the public's access to information and resources. As a long time member of the Friends of the Winona Public Library, I have been currently working to raise funds for this city institution to help defray in some modest way the ill effects of this budget reduction.
Now, I am well aware that $62 per year per member will not offset the budget shortfall that now affects the library staff and the Winona area public. However, I can't imagine that anyone who currently serves on this council is doing it for the money. If they are, we're in even deeper trouble. The symbolism involved in this decision sends a message. I will say, at risk of self-righteousness, that when I served on the WAPS school board we earned $100 per month. In 2000, during an excrutiating time of budget cutting, we voted to cut our pay by 10%--or $10 a month. Did this make a difference over-all? Of course not. But it sent the message that we were willing to "take a hit", too, and that we had empathy for those teachers and staff members who lost their positions, the students who lost a favorite program, and the teachers who would have to endure larger class sizes. Believe me, I value those who run for office and who serve, who spend countless hours in committee meetings, and who make difficult decisions and suffer the aftermath. I have learned from experience that any decision a public servant makes will be wrong--according to someone. But the message this sends to the public will only fuel even greater disillusionment when public services are slashed. I encourage the council to re-examine this one. Vicki Englich _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
