Inflammatory juxtaposition, no? Yes! And it should be because this is a horrible example of greed and complete disregard for the working class.
Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner was sworn in and a week later received a 35% raise, a $23,000 raise! County Treasurer John Weinstein received the same percentage (and actual amount).
Just this week, the state announced tightening asset limits on food stamp applications. Imagine. Some families living on $23,000 might lose food stamps. Huh.
If you are foolish enough to think the Allegheny County Democrat establishment, male or female, actually cares about your economic plight – think again. The combined total of $46,000 could hire an additional County employee. Or upgrade equipment. Or renovate some old office spaces.
Or feed people through DHS.
But instead, Mr. Weinstein and Ms. Wagner’s families will have a nice little cushion while the rest of us continue to struggle and worry about our economic future. Yes, they rationalize this as a cost of living. Cause it is hard to support a family on $66,000. Ask most Americans. Oh wait …
Here’s a nice note of leadership
The solicitor’s opinion also said Allegheny County Sheriff Bill Mullen was entitled to a similar increase, but Mullen turned it down and will continue to make the $64,000 a year.
Mullen declined to appear on camera and would say only it was not the right time for him to be taking a salary increase. He said his budget is tight and he didn’t want to take a raise and then have to lay off a sheriff’s deputy.
That’s the ethical thing to so. Once again, both Mr. Weinstein (13 years in office) and Ms. Wagner could work in the private sector and make oodles of money. They chose public service and did an end run to give themselves a huge raise. Shame on both of them for spitting in the face of the people who elect them.
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