June 19, 2004
On Pay Raises And Politics, Briefly
Nick Fish To Forswear Recently-Passed Pay Hike
We must have stopped looking for other media mentions of the pay raises for elected City officials sometime during the day on Friday, because early that evening KGW posted a story on it. They helpfully do the math that we were too lazy to do, and report that the increase which Commissioner Jim Francesconi will be donating comes to about $867 for the remainder his his term.
Meanwhile, regardless of whether or not one thinks the move has anything to do with the Mayoral campaign, it soon will find its way into the remaining City Council campaign. Look for Nick Fish to announce that if elected he will not be accepting the pay raise for the Commissioner No. 1 position he is seeking, for much the same reasons given by Francesconi on Wednesday.
Coincidentally, that's the very seat being vacated by Francesconi, so in effect what this all amounts to is a pay raise for every elected City official except for Commissioner No. 1.
Comments (3)
PDX Reporter on 19 Jun 2004
Don't you find it interesting that none of the Portland media picked this up. KGW only did after recieving the e-mail from Fancesconi's office.
Any ideas as to why this wasn't covered?
The One True b!X on 19 Jun 2004
No, but talking to Fish this afternoon, he wondered the same thing.
There was email from Francesconi? I didn't realize he officially announced anything.
Sally on 19 Jun 2004
What wasn't covered, the raise or this phony baloney "donation" from Mr. Man of the People?
This kinda crappe makes me wish we could fill these positions at random out of a hat, paying them $20K a year with moderate benefits and no second terms.
Bet I could fill 'em.
I'm such a crazy fool to think things would be better not worse.
I know I'd give it a whirl.