Freezing councillors’ salaries: a stupid or brilliant idea?
It’s brilliant because: Soon Fordo will be able to replace councillors with 311 telephone operators. It’s part of his master plan for less government. He can’t wait for Tim Hudak to become premier so he can start pushing that “too many politicians” button.
It’s stupid because: Mike Del Grande, not Rob Ford, came up with the idea, so the mayor can’t take credit for it.
It’s brilliant because: Freezing salaries will only discourage the best and brightest from seeking public office, which leaves more room for big boss types like Ford at City Hall. Pass the cigars.
It’s stupid because: It makes the mayor look petty. He’s earning almost twice as much as everyone else and is not exactly the busiest bee at City Hall. Even the usually friendly Globe has noted his “cloistered” existence at 100 Queen West.
It’s brilliant because: Hey, we’re saving $118,000. That’s like what, .000012826087% of the city budget? Talk about bang for the buck.
It’s stupid because: Comparatively speaking, Toronto councillors are already underpaid. Making them feel more worthless won’t help in the customer service department, and Ford is supposed to be all about customer service. That’s a good one.
It’s brilliant because: As symbolic gestures go, this one hits people right where they live. Now everyone can rejoice that “fat cat” politicians are sharing the pain of this lingering depression, even if that shared “pain” barely adds up to half a drop in the bucket.
It’s stupid because: Making municipal politics less financially attractive will only encourage those in it for the power. And that’s just what we need in municipal politics, more guys like Giorgio Mammoliti.
It’s brilliant because: The real lazy pols on council, Ford’s buds in the ‘burbs, won’t feel so guilty now about cashing their paycheques.
It’s stupid because: If Ford thinks denying councillors a cost of living increase will keep salary requests of other city unions in line, he’s dreaming. The cops and firefighters won’t be denied their fat slice of the pie, that’s the real bottom line.
