Comments on: Gubernatorial candidates respond to longevity pay story

By: bumpercar

bumpercar — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:11:54 +0000

There is no reason for longevity payments, period. People accept jobs with state government based on the salary and benefits that come with the positions.

The State is facing a $3.5 billion structural deficit in the fiscal year that runs from July 2011 to June 2012. Giving $2,000 “bonuses” to employees in this context is insane. Continuance of luxuries such as this will result in mass layoffs of state employees when the whip comes down in 2011.

I’m a Democrat and want to protect government’s ability to be a positive force in society. But when do we start saying “no” to organized labor? After we declare bankruptcy?

By: Paul Steed

Paul Steed — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:41 +0000

All very interesting but do any of them know how awkward it is to have a political argument with a naked man?

By: Reality check

Reality check — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:02:27 +0000

I understand all municipal and state employees are grateful to have some job security during difficult economic times. The tone of these people running for office however is that once a public employee reaches a certain level of income and seniority, they begin to loose their skills and desire for excellence. A vast majority of public employees are dedicated, hard-working individuals who care deeply about the people they serve (just as there is in the private sector).

The other side of this is when times are good, private sector individuals can get significant increases in income through bonuses or advancement. These realities are rare or non-existant in the public sector. Once an employee reaches a certain level, their increases are often as not, at or below the Cost of Living Adjusment (COLA) levels. Longevity is a way of rewarding dedication. For most employees this is a small amount. (less than $2000/yr).

If the attitude of statewide candidates is that public employees are a drain on the value of state services and are not worthy of the income they’ve earned then document it.

I do remember a former governor who earned lots of extra income… he went to prison for it. Honor, don’t denigrate the public employees who serve the state. Get real… Get off this.