By John Stump
The U-T editorial “Who should vote on San Diego pol’s pay raises? They should” concerning the Citizen’s Salary Commission’s call for ethical pay reforms came to the wrong conclusion. I had hoped that it would stand for the elimination of gifts, luxury banquet dinners, closure of the Stadium Emperors’ Sky Boxes, and the rest of the insider’s under the table payments to politicians.
There is a political revolution going on. Folks want change in the politics as usual pay for access system. San Diego families can’t afford the lavish dinners and entertainment events that lobbyists use to curry favors and access from City officials. San Diego politicians are attending banquets every day that most San Diegans only experience for their prom, wedding, or major anniversary. Let’s reform and adopt this straight pay plan.
Councilwoman Emerald supports the reforms and has stopped taking these party favors and swag bags at lavish events, because she realizes the slippery slope these invitations bring. The Chamber of Commerce big wigs are on the wrong side of this issue because they like the gift for access pay for play parties. Please choose the right and straight pay reform side.
Ed note: This article was lightly edited for clarity and length.
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John Stump is a long term City Heights resident, his Azaela Park home is under the big tree at 3 LEAF. He has been an active environmentalist for more than 50 years and past Chairman of the San Diego Sierra Club. He is an attorney and has served the City of San Diego as Chairman of its Equal Opportunity Commission under several mayors. John was chairman of the City Heights Community Development Corporation board of directors during its advocacy for covering the 15 Freeway and the addition of City Heights schools and bike paths. He is a past California Bar Commissioner for legal services. His email is mrjohnstump@cox.net
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The system in place now supports legalized bribery.