Out of Touch or Out of Their Minds?

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, as I have said, too many times before and yet again today, I have to say it again. What the hell is wrong with so many politicians these days? Have they no compassion? Have they no link with reality? Have they no common sense? I have answered that last question, many times before with a definitive no, they absolutely have no common sense what so ever. Of course I am not saying this about all politicians. But unfortunately, in more cases then not, more politicians are proving that they do not have the wherewithal to lead and should be voted out of office asap.

The latest round of idiot politicians is occurring right now in Ramapo, New York. Like other states, New York State has a list of financially stressed municipalities. This list was issued by the state Comptroller's Office in June 2013. Where do you think Ramapo is ranked? If you said first, you would be wrong, but ah so close. In first place for most financially stressed municipality is Monroe County, which includes the city of Rochester. Ramapo is ranked second. Almost all of Rockland County has financial problems, but Ramapo earns the blue ribbon for having the worst, seemingly endless, financial problems.

So what do you do when you have financial issues and are in the red? Lay off employees and/or don't replace employees who have retired or resigned through attrition. Ramapo did reduce the number of their employees. So instead of saving those monies, the Ramapo Supervisor, Christopher St. Lawrence decided to give raises to his department heads effective last month. His raises are as follows:

1) Director of Purchasing:                 39% increase, from $105,000 to $145,866 = $40,866 increase.
2) Town Clerk:                                 19% increase, from $122,614 to $145,866 = $23,252 increase.
3) Justice Court Clerk:                      14% increase, from $118,949 to $135,707 = $16,758 increase.
4) Director of Parks and Recreation: 10% increase, from $140,644 to $156,271 = $15,627 increase.
5) Highway Maintenance Supervisor: 9.2% increase, from $129,311 to $141,207= $11,896 increase.
6) Dir. of Bldg, Planning & Zoning:       8% increase, from $150,623 to $163,721 = $13,098 increase.
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                                                                                      Total for just 6 people =  $121,497 increase.

The question that begs to be asked is... what is the justification for these large pay increases that totaled at least $121,497? According to the Supervisor, departments have downsized, i.e.: the purchasing department went from 3 employees to 2. So therefore, more work equals more money. It may almost make sense until you remember that Ramapo is the second worst financially stressed municipality in New York State. Ramapo has not been able to get their financial house in order for years and years. So in his, (Supervisor's) infinite wisdom, whatever savings came from downsizing, has now been given to a few management positions. Again they haven't learned their lesson on how to run their town. When will they learn?

So are they out of touch or out of their minds? The answer is resoundingly and very unfortunately yes to both!!! How sad for the residents.

Til next week.

Peter