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February 2

Cut public servants' pay, eliminate stipends, perks

I've got an idea, and it won't add to the already staggering economic tax burden.

Let Mainers vote on legislation that states that anyone holding a "public office" position such as governor, congressional representatives, state legislators and judges immediately have their pay cut by one-third and eliminate stipends and perks (free lodging, free lunches, etc.).

I bet that would help to balance the budget.

But alas, legislators would simply do what they've been doing for years and years, which is to vote themselves raises behind closed doors. Can't we make that illegal?

I think we could get a lot of these career politicians out if we made these positions financially in line with the state's current financial dilemma. Public servants should not be better off than the citizens they serve.

Melody Weeks

Fairfield

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