Editor, It is as difficult to find anyone who approves of the pay raises for our mayor and council as it is to find anyone who admits voting for Obama!
First, I believe Mr. Edwards is the city manager and is responsible for the city’s day-to-day operations. He also is responsible for hiring and firing. Mr. Edwards does not vote on issues, but neither does the mayor unless there is a tie. The city manager even sets the agenda for council meetings.
The question arises, what does the mayor and council do for their respective $40,000 and $20,000? I’ll leave that for them to explain.
Here are a few salaries from across the state. I contacted these cities without knowing in advance what their salaries are:
• Savannah mayor: $42,000; council: $12,000
• Richmond Hill mayor: $7,500; council: $5,000
• Jesup mayor: $100; council: $100
• Warner Robbins mayor (full time): $100,000; council: $5,000
• Augusta (combined city and
county population: 200,000) mayor (full time): $75,000; council: $14,000-$15,000, depending on longevity.
Finally, if you or I break the law, there is a penalty. If the city council violated the law, what will be the penalty? Remember the old saying: Ignorance is no excuse!