PAY RAISE WILL GO THROUGH

According to reports, a deal between the Democrats and the Republicans has been struck. Previously, we reported that the County Legislature cut money for Democratic legislative staffing from the budget.*We were wrong. Those cuts will be made at the upcoming December 20th meeting if the Republican demand for a pay raise is not met. In essence, the Republicans will hold potential cuts over the heads of the Democrats like a Sword of Damocles.**

The Democrats in the Rensselaer County legislature will roll over and vote for the pay increase. According to sources, the Democrats will surrender to blackmail in order to save a staffer's salary. The Republicans get their raise, the Democrats save a job and we get royally F----d! Cigarette anyone?

Lets get our representatives on the record. Are they for or against a pay raise. Call them, write them, e-mail them (just click on the name and you'll get their e-mail address.)

Here's our e-mail:

Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 01:22:25 -0800 (PST)
From: "Democratus Santorum"
Subject: Possible pay raise
To: nkelleher@rensco.com

Dear Mr. Kelleher:

Please advise if the legislature will vote to raise it's own salary. I've heard rumors to that effect and believe that you would be in the best position to confirm or deny said rumors.

Will you pledge to vote NO! to any pay raise?

Sincerely

Democratus

We'll let you know if we get a response.

In all fairness, the hardworking members of the Rensselaer County Legislature do deserve a pay hike. Raising our taxes and voting 'Yes' or 'No' on a few items is demanding work. How can we expect them to sacrifice so much of their lives to public service for the crumbs they now earn? Most of our legislators live in conditions similar to London's East End, circa 1880's. How often have we seen them, our legislators, huddled in doorways, looking pale, thin and half-starved? Going through dumpsters, searching for a scrap of food? Urinating in an alleyway?

The plight of our legislators is nothing less than a countywide disgrace. It is time we act!

Sure, the Conservatives among you may laugh at our chairitable efforts but we'll sleep better knowing that some of our hardest working citizens have a place to sleep and warm food this Holiday Season. Never again will we see this sight on our streets:




"Please, Sir, may I have some more?"-unidentified Rensselaer County Legislator
*We were wrong. The Legislature passed Jimino's budget. Possible cuts to the minority staff are being threatened but have not yet taken place.

** Damocles was a 5th Century County Legislator that liked to play with swords