New Orleans, LA – September 25, 2009 – “At our next regular meeting, the New Orleans City Council is prepared to consider an ordinance raising councilmembers’ pay from $42,500 to $83,500.
“I will vote “No” to this ordinance.
“True, there are some good arguments for why councilmembers should receive a pay raise to adjust for yearly increases in the cost of living. But I do not believe that now is the appropriate time, nor can I in good conscience vote to increase pay for a position I expect to hold again during the next four years.
“When the Council takes up the City’s operating budget this December, we will be looking at a $43 million budget shortfall. How can I accept a pay raise when I know that I will soon be asking every department to tighten its belt?
“The pace of our recovery is still too slow. How can I accept a pay raise when many of my city-wide constituents go without streets, streetlights, libraries, community centers, permanent homes for first responders, and more?
“The national economy is in a recession. How can I accept a pay raise when many New Orleanians worry for their present and future financial livelihood?
“The Times Picayune reported just last week that the median income for New Orleanians fell between 2007 and 2008. How can I accept a pay raise when those I have been elected to serve are working harder just to earn what they did last year?
“Although some will disagree with me, I simply cannot look my constituents in all parts of this City in the eyes and tell them I think now is the time for me to receive an increase in pay.
“During my very first run for public office, I made a campaign promise to District C voters to serve full time on the Council without requesting an increase in pay. Now, as a citywide leader, I have constituents with legitimate arguments on both sides of this issue. Because of them, I have taken the past week to listen with an open mind. But I have ended where I began – in opposition to a pay raise.”
