Letter to the Editor: Maybe take a cue from the federal government

Since my letter questioning the salaries of our county board of supervisors received some responses, I’d like to respond in kind.

I agree 100 percent with Mr. Rorabaugh that our supervisors are looking out for the interests of Jasper County taxpayers. And while I am flattered, I have zero interest in running for any elected office.

I also agree somewhat with Mr. Mitchell that our supervisors do much more than hold meetings. Mr. Mitchell, however, seems to suggest that the supervisors are working full-time for the county, while simultaneously holding full-time jobs outside their elected positions, and that justifies their full-time salaries from the county.

I just have a very hard time believing our supervisors are putting in 40 hours plus a week at regular jobs, and 40 hours a week for the county, and if not, why are they being paid a full-time salary? Do the math, that equates to an extremely high hourly wage in a county where the average wage is around $40,000 a year. Now double that and you see what I’m critical about.

I would suggest cutting their salaries in half, and using those funds to give our other county employees a raise. Like our sheriff’s department, our county treasurer and auditor, etc. Theirs are indeed full time positions.

It is simply my opinion our supervisors are overpaid for the time they put in.

Perhaps we should take a cue from the federal government, whose employees are now being asked to justify their salaries by producing a detailed account of just what it is they do all day long.

This is how democracy works. Citizens have the right to petition their leaders for answers and to criticize when the need arises.

I will continue to exercise my right as a private citizen to be critical of our elected officials. I don’t need a title to do so.

John Moore

Newton