For several months now, I've used this forum to express opinion on issues that effect East Texans. I've also shared some of your opinions sent to me by mail or email. From time to time, the KLTV editorial board will invite qualified guests to appear in person to speak on matters of public interest. That is the case today. You should know, the views and opinions expressed in these guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of KLTV. Today, we hear from former Smith County Commissioner, David Stein
STEIN:Recently, three members of the Smith County Commissioners court voted to give themselves a 30% raise along with a 45% raise over the next three years for the County Judge. This is an outrageous proposal and may I remind you the County Judge and one Commissioner who support this plan have been in office for only 6 ½ months. It does include needed raises for the County employees but doesn't go far enough to the ultimate goal of a merit based system. Here's an important question: Why won't the County Judge discuss this proposal in two parts and separate the commissioner's court raises from those of the County employees. Servant leadership puts the needs of others ahead of your own and this plan accomplishes the exact opposite. If you are as upset about this proposal as I am, let this Commissioners Court know your opinion through phone calls and email. Government should be about "public service", not "self-service". And that's what I think would make a better East Texas.
STREIT: Smith county judge Joel Baker has been invited to offer his opinion on this issue. I will read his response next week. If you have an opinion on this or any other matter Please send it to abettereasttexas@kltv.com
Viewer Comments:
I appreciate you personally giving your comments and views on events in East Texas that involve us all. I watch KLTV news every night, and am proud that KLTV promotes a a good environment for the kind of life we want here.
Thank you,
Hazel Grubbs
Brad,
I think all pay raises should have to be approved by the voters. This includes U.S. Senators and Representatives, Texas offices and county offices. I think the States should be responsible for the U.S. Senators and Representatives pay and retirement. All political offices retirement should come from Social Security that they are required to pay into. Letting our politicians determine their rate of pay is like letting wolves guard sheep.
Carl Hancock
Mr Stein: The Smith County commissioners might consider following my father's theory. It must have been a good idea, because he was county commissioner in a county in west Texas ( Albany) for 39 consecutive years until he retired in 1995.
His theory, and practice:::::
Whenever a salary increase was instituted by himself, and fellow commissioners; he remained at his present salary until his present term was expired; regardless of what the other commissioners did.
His theory was that he sought the job at his present salary, and he wasn't entitled to the increase until he sought the position at the new salary. Whenever he successfully won the election for the next term; he would receive the new salary.
******************GOOD IDEA HUH ?????
Houston E. Connally......Quitman... Wood County
~heckno@peoplepc
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