GTA Municipal Politicians Vote Themselves Raises

Despite a worsening economy, people loosing jobs and homes, many GTA municipal politicians are voting themselves higher than CPI raises.

If we conduct a Watson Wyatt Worldwide analysis of the skill requirements, responsibilities, and accountability, to be an elected official at any level, we find some interesting results.

While there are plenty of lawyers and other professionals, no more than a grade nine education is required. Reading skills at a Toronto Sun readership level. And the ability to speak in public. No other skills or education is required. No economics, no law, no math, no science, no geography, no history, nothing. Less skills than needed to sling hamburgers.

But, politicians can wreck havoc on our lifestyle. Look at the Bush years where industry was deregulated and the mess we are in because of that simple decision.

So, let's peg the salaries of all politicians at the average of their constituency (excluding government salaries but including the employable unemployed.) Toronto municipal elected officials would get the average Toronto wage. MPP would get the average Ontario wage. MP would get the average Canadian wage.

The pork barrellers would disappear.

The truly motivated would run.

And those who implemented policies that raised the GDP and average wages would win their elections.

A win-win-win situation. But for the current mob of self-serving individuals.

Please discuss.