I am astounded at some of the raises put forth by our generous city and county.
Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes received a raise of nearly $30,000 because other city managers receive as much. What was appalling about his former pay? If I can live on $25,000 a year, why can’t he live on $169,659? I would rather see his raise go to our fire or law enforcement services.
Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steven Webb received a raise that would give our teachers a small fiscal bump. What, he can’t survive on $208,000 a year? What is it with comparing his salary with other superintendents? There seems to be something about comparing salaries that boosts some male egos.
And now Peter Silliman is set to receive $68,000 a year for a position that was “created” to do research? Oh, please county commissioners, create a position I qualify for. I am talented. I love to do research and I have written one book. I write songs, of which two will be published later this year. I am also an oil painter. You are a creative bunch of people. I’m sure you could come up with some sort of a county position for me. I’d be happy with a salary of merely $20,000 a year and you can’t beat that.
