To the editor:

I have to respond to Council’s proposed pay raise, now withdrawn. Let’s examine the argument for the raise.

1. Compensation determined by population-ridiculous on its face. Should I get a pay raise (70%) when my company hires more people?

2. More pay will attract more interest for people to serve on council.

If council would hold regular Town Halls for residents, as well as regular office hours to address residents’ concerns, maybe people would get more involved, rather than feel excluded since council hides.

3. Council is working full-time for part-time pay. I suppose those on council had no idea what the pay for council was when they decided to run. If they don’t like the pay-resign. I’m sure there are “Lots” of people that would serve. Look at the applicants for the coming elections, there doesn’t seem to be a lack of candidates.

As an aside, anyone on the city payroll should not be allowed to run for council; this appears as self serving and not in citizens’ interests.

I’ll finish with this: Let’s consider residents’ concerns about taxes, assessments, etc. We need a more frugal council and mayor who will not spend recklessly- Trips to China? What resulted from that? I’m sure it helped the city budget and resulted in a reduction of taxes, assessments, etc. I would truly like to see the proof!

Byron Law

Cape Coral