Posted to Waverley Leader (19/5/2009) on 23/5/2009 at 8:56pm
Commenting on "Cashed-up Councillors"
http://Waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cashed-up-councillors/
Unlike Mayor Paul Klisaris who “… goes to work and gets paid for it”, Councillors were, once upon a time, well respected, distinguished members of the community serving the it for free.
Although there are provisions in the Local Government Act for the Councillor’s allowance review after taking office for seven months, there is nothing in the Act to say that the allowance has to be increased; which means the allowance can be decreased or remained unchanged.
At this difficult time, I could not see any justification for such substantial increase of about 35%. Do keep in mind that payment to the Councillors is allowance and not annual salary. The money cannot and should not be used for other purposes except for Council-related matters. $24,000 is more than excessive for many Councillors, whose role is only on part-time basis. If the increase is performance-base, then they will have to demonstrate their productivity has increased by 35%.
If the Mayor and other Councillors are not happy with what they are getting, there are volunteers with a lot more experience can take over their places. Many voluntary organisations are chaired and managed by unpaid volunteers.
Commenting on "Cashed-up Councillors"
http://Waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/cashed-up-councillors/
Unlike Mayor Paul Klisaris who “… goes to work and gets paid for it”, Councillors were, once upon a time, well respected, distinguished members of the community serving the it for free.
Although there are provisions in the Local Government Act for the Councillor’s allowance review after taking office for seven months, there is nothing in the Act to say that the allowance has to be increased; which means the allowance can be decreased or remained unchanged.
At this difficult time, I could not see any justification for such substantial increase of about 35%. Do keep in mind that payment to the Councillors is allowance and not annual salary. The money cannot and should not be used for other purposes except for Council-related matters. $24,000 is more than excessive for many Councillors, whose role is only on part-time basis. If the increase is performance-base, then they will have to demonstrate their productivity has increased by 35%.
If the Mayor and other Councillors are not happy with what they are getting, there are volunteers with a lot more experience can take over their places. Many voluntary organisations are chaired and managed by unpaid volunteers.
