Local Tea Party Chairman Sounds Off

This is an open letter to the Douglasville Mayor, members of the City Council, and concerned citizens.

I am amazed at the audacity of this city council! They were ordered by the Grand Jury to change the way they are being paid  (due to corruption of the present system)  and they use it as an opportunity  to give themselves a 50% raise!

This raise is a slap in the face to all citizens! Additionally, in light of our currently stalled economy, it becomes even more absurd.  Look at the  “State of Our Nation”! Our property values have decreased, (Douglas County is number one in the state of Georgia for foreclosures). The Board Of Commissioners has increased our property taxes because of the foreclosure status . Most citizens are happy to have a job, let alone a raise (over 10% unemployment in Douglas County).

         The City Council’s combined salaries were calculated to be $80,475 based on the average number of meetings that these officials attended and were compensated. That is an annual salary of approximately $10,059  per year for each of your eight council members. Their present proposal is to increase their salaries to $15,000 annually. This is approximately a 50% raise for each councilman. Not only that, the city is one of the few entities that provide health benefits for part-time positions.

In comparison, in 2012 the military received a 1.7% increase in pay. In 2012, Social Security recipients received a 3.6% Cost of Living increase. Private companies are giving no raises at all or downsizing due to the poor state of the economy.

The Council argues they have not had a raise in 15 years. How many councilman have been on the board for 15 years? They knew what the salary was when they ran for office so that argument is just ridiculous.

The mayor of this fine city is making approximately $41,500 per year. His salary is set to increase to $42,000 plus (if approved)  the use of a Tahoe vehicle with gas included.

If you don’t think these salaries are bordering on corruption look at some comparisons of other cities with the same size and population as the city of Douglasville.  

In 2012, Falls Church, Virginia Mayor received $9,800 per year with no car and each Council member received $9,200. In the city of Fairfax, Virginia the Mayor received $6,500 per year and each council member received $4,500. These are fairly sophisticated cities with similar budgets.

It is fairly obvious that these elected members are there to represent the people and not in it for a large salary to perform a part-time job. And if you really want the extreme, San Antonio, Texas pays their council members only $20 per meeting and it is a huge city, much, much larger than Douglasville.  They also incorporate several major military bases/posts and several large malls, including the famous Riverwalk, in their responsibility.

             It is questionable at the least,  that there is fiscal responsibility being tendered by these elected officials. At this point I am not sure why these officials ran for office or the precedent they may be setting for future candidates and the city council.

As TEA Party members, the current proposals fall short of meeting our values when it comes to fiscal responsibility. I sincerely challenge each of the elected officials to reconsider any financial increase to their compensation. I also challenge all concerned citizens of Douglasville, to become truly aware of the issues, since every decision impacts your wallets, lives and freedoms.

There are many resources available to you to become better informed. There are council meetings, newspapers, internet, TEA Party meetings, social media, friends, etc. where you can find out what is happening.

Please stay informed and remember how your city’s leadership votes when it comes to the upcoming election in the city. I know I am watching, and you should be, too!  Remember that in the austere environment that surrounds us, let’s see the city prosper and not line the pockets of those we elect to office.

Beth Martinez
Chairman Douglas County Tea Party

Board Members
Brenda Bohanan
Richard Radzik
Karin Radzik
Melony DeFord

(Article originally published 3/8/13 as oped in the Douglas County Sentinel)