Why Cities and States are facing financial ruin

Tweet

A California County Executive receives a salary of $400,000 for life plus other benefits. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/mar/25/calif-administrator-400k-lifetime-salary/ A Madison Wisconsin bus driver makes over $100,000 by using special provisions of the contract. He did this to increase his retirement benefits. http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10279894/wi-159k-bus-driver-no-longer-tops-the-list-of-highest-earners-in-madison-city-government Wisconsin prison guards call in sick then work the next shift at time and a half plus get paid for the sick day too. The work one shift and get paid for 2 1/2 shifts. http://www.lris.com/2011/10/31/state-ends-special-prison-guard-overtime-rules/ Why do these abuses occur? Part of the problem is public employees have a unique relationship with the governing bodies that determine their salary and benefits. The employees help elect the governing body. In effect the politicians are negotiating with the people who are electing them. When the city officals need something researched they ask the administrators to do it. In some cases there is a friendship that develops between the administrators and the the board or council and as long as everything goes smoothly the administrator keeps the job and the board keep getting re elected.