Increase council pay as they gain experience

Like many others, I am disturbed and astounded at Victoria council’s self-serving position on the raise they propose for themselves.

While they may feel underpaid, they ran for the council position aware of the remuneration. At approximately $65,000, with potential board stipends, and benefits, it is not an insignificant salary when no particular skill set is required.

To move the salary range into the $95,000-plus range seems massive overreach. At that salary range professional expertise is expected; perhaps engineering, accountant, human resources, etc., and a full-time commitment.

It was distressing to learn that only two councillors are not engaged in other careers. Where is their commitment to the position and to justify the proposed multi-thousand-dollar salary increase?

It is clear in watching council meetings that many councillors are struggling to understand the issues with which they are dealing. Their workload has been significantly diminished with the province negating many public meeting’s hours.

Perhaps a better approach would be to align council remunerations with city staff remuneration.

First year councillors receive the pay equivalents of the city’s part-time new hires, with the remuneration increasing year by year to reflect their familiarization with their jobs and their credentials.

Over their four-year term they could reasonably be expected to bring a level of job specific knowledge to their positions and achieve a pay grade relevant to their professional credentials.

The voting public would then either support or discontinue their new career choice in the next election.

Bob June Victoria