HEZI ARIS: They have moved the issue, out of the Rules Committee so that it may be voted upon by the seven members when the city council next meets: on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.
Many Yonkersites would likely believe that for the Yonkers City Council, the legislative branch, voting themselves a pay raise reveals a conflict of interest as issues so often do among our polticans. Perhaps its the spirit of holiday cheer that has infused all seven councilmembers to come together with benevolence of heart to present each other with an increase in pay of 35 to 40 percent over their remuneration today.
The timing is perfect. Hanukkah is only days away; Christmas will be celebrated toward the end of month. The Yonkers City Council, always ahead of the curve will get a jump on the cheer they will bestow upon themselves. Can you feel the cheer? The laughter? The joy?
It does however seem incongruous and a bit off kilter that the very people intent on embellishing the payment scale earned by a councilmember desire it become effective among the present office holders. If the proposed 35 to 45 percent pay increase is deemed appropriate, it should not apply to anyone voting to increase salaries for themselves unless they win future elections.
For example, should this legislation win approval, and it is expected that it will win the day by a vote of 7 – 0, the new pay scale should only apply to winners of election and / or re-election campaign efforts. That is fair.
For example, should this legislation win approval, and it is expected that it will win the day by a vote of 7 – 0, the new pay scale should only apply to winners of election and / or re-election campaign efforts. That is fair.
The fact that Yonkersites have been kept out the loop is troubling.
Did I mention that the stipend specific only to the Majority and Minority leaders will also gain in girth by 35 to 40 percent? No? Well it will!!!
At issue is whether even one iota of time will be expended to benefit Yonkersites or will Santa Clause only visit the Yonkers City Councilmembership with such magnanimity? What about the taxpayer? Doesn’t he / she have a say? Why not? When will Yonkersites be acknowledged? Are we invisible? What are the Yonkers City Councilmembers thinking?
Do Yonkersites gain in any way by the Yonkers City Councilmembers’ gain? If you know the answer, please share it with the editor. I can’t figure it out!
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The locallaw in regard to the compensation of the City Council President and the Councilmembers as follows;
President: $74,000* per annum, payable bi-weekly;
Mayority and Minority Leaders: $58,000*;
* Plus a $5,000 stipend applicable to the President, Majority, nd Minority leaders for serving n the capacity of “Chair” of a committee.
Councimembers: $48,000 each.
If / when enacted, the legislation becomes effective 45 days after adoption......
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