Salary suggestions

Most of the comments I saw that were made on the Independent Citizens Commission website are not in favor of the pay increases suggested by this commission. I believe a majority of the working taxpayers would love to get an 11 percent to 153 percent pay raise at any time.

Analysis shows an interesting point: It seems the “full-time” non-lawmaker civil servants are on the low end of the increases (11 percent-55 percent) while the constitutionally elected lawmakers are on the high end (61 percent-153 percent). I believe that is not by happenstance.

One gentleman who commented on Arkansas’ relationship with other states makes a valid point. Arkansas is traditionally rated 49th or 50th on matters of note, including per capita income, poverty level and its constituents’ hunger levels. Why are we rewarding politicians, most of whom are already well-to-do with big pensions, lucrative business or non-government jobs, with more money when they haven’t really earned what they now receive?

The commission did get right the recommendation of no change to the salary of the ceremonial position of lieutenant governor. While you’re making changes anyway, how about recommending that position being abolished?

In the meantime, move this great state from the cellars of all economic factors that matter; that may warrant them a pay increase for their mostly part-time jobs. When that time comes, they could receive maybe 10 percent. That is more than twice what I’ve received in nearly three years working for an international company, part of a team that has made millions of dollars contributing to the nation’s gross domestic product and the Arkansas state tax rolls. WILLIAM DAVID WYNN

Little Rock