To the editor:

I left my friend Bill twisting in the wind at last night’s FTM. He proposed a $3,000 cut to the town council budget in opposition to a raise in the town councilors’ stipend. His point was that this represents a 100 percent raise to their existing stipend, and it is not needed anyway since we have contested elections. His argument did not persuade the audience and the motion was defeated. 

I wish I had stood up to support him. I didn’t speak because I was on the fence about the raise. The final proposal was a reduction from the original ask, which I vehemently opposed, and $1,000 per year seems a reasonable amount.

This topic came up periodically throughout my tenure on the COA. It was defeated every time by members of both political parties. Bill’s subtle point, and our rationale was that public service should not be about money.  In fact, money distorts the very nature of the position. By compensating someone for their time, it becomes a job. It shouldn’t be a job.

The most recent public data showing the compensation of town and city councils is from 2014. Even though it is five years old, it is very interesting! It reveals that the best run towns compensate their councils the least. The municipalities teetering on the brink of bankruptcy compensate their mayors and councils as if they are paid consultants, maybe even better.

Let’s remain the best run town in the State. Keep the public service stipends low.

Sincerely,

Geoff Grove

Barrington