THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008
Letters To Our Editor
Simply Not The Time For Legislative Pay Hike
Editor, Journal:
This is no time for a legislative pay raise.
Too many Illinois families are facing financial hardships where one person has a job, but there isn't enough income to pay for basic expenses like the mortgage or rent, utilities, gas to get to work or health care.
Private sector wages have declined almost 4 percent over the last year alone and as many as three in every ten workers can't save a dime for retirement. In the midst of these difficulties, we in the public sector have special responsibility to manage state government efficiently and effectively, while doing all we can to improve the quality of life for the people of this state.
That is why I opposed the legislative pay raise from the beginning, co-sponsored a resolution, along with State Sen. Susan Garrett, to stop it and donated a portion of my salary for an educational scholarship.
Establishing and maintaining public faith in state government requires that we in Springfield hold ourselves to a higher standard of accountability. That means leading by example and demonstrating to the people of our district and beyond that I understand the plight of working families and small businesses.
I will continue to stand up and oppose the pay raise as long as Illinoisans are struggling and the services they need are being cut.
Dan Kotowski, State Senator, 33rd District
He Voted For Pay Raises
Editor, Journal:
This is in response to a letter to the editor dated Aug. 14 from Dan Kotowski that states that he opposes legislative raises. Unfortunately, his talk does not match his actions.
After serving in the State Senate just over four months Dan Kotowski voted for Senate Bill 241, in May of 2007. That gave legislators a 9.6% pay increase. In addition to this Senate Bill, Kotowski also voted for the 2007-2008 state budget, which included another 3.5% legislative pay increase, which brought the grand total to just over 13%.
Dan Kotowski says that he opposed this year's pay raise from the start and yet he voted for a state budget that includes a 3.8% pay raise for legislators. The same budget that is over $2 billion in the red.
The state can't pay its bills on time, but rest assured legislatures will receive their pay increase on time. It is clear that Mr. Kotowski talks a big game, but does not put his words into action.
Just to make sure he covers his bases, he donates a portion of his salary for an educational scholarship fund. If I could put an additional $10,000 in my pocket I would donate more money to charity too.
Talk about opposing pay raises and giving money to charity, it must be an election year. It's time to be honest with the hard working people of the 33rd district and the state.
Mike Sweeney, Candidate, State Senate 33rd District
Voters Decided Own Term Limits
Editor, Journal:
Some folks want to overturn the Des Plaines term limits, which in turn will enable our elected officials to retain their offices as long as they can muster the votes to do so. Once again I give reasons why I think term limits should remain.
It seems natural that once in office politicians would like to retain their jobs. If we overturn the term limits rule there is little likelihood that it can ever be changed back no matter how the officials perform. Everyone should be disgusted with the politics going on in Washington D.C., Springfield, Cook County, and Chicago. Once these politicians become well entrenched with finances, connections and political allies a person running against them has little chance of success. There is no level playing field for new people seeking office. Term limits is our only protection to prevent this in Des Plaines. With the prestige, benefits, and contacts involved with public service there is no shortage of qualified candidates to take over the job. It is too difficult to vote mediocre and corrupt politicians (thanks to many who don't vote or vote blindly) for us to gamble on this issue.
We will lose some continuity in government and some well qualified people by doing this, but after the elapse of one term they will hopefully want to again serve and campaign on their record. In the interim their input and advice would be welcome. This is a democracy and the voters should decide term limits, not the politician.
And yes, the city clerk's office should also be included in the term limits rule. That office as well as the others can become too entrenched and lax in performance. There comes a time when we all have to move over and let those with younger ideas and more energy take over the reins.
William McNutt, Des Plaines