Pay Raise Furor?

So a lot of people have asked me why I haven’t discussed the pay raise issue. Since “I don’t want to,” doesn’t seem to satisfy, let me try this…

Rule #1 of any communication/advocacy effort is to STAY ON MESSAGE. Our members are concerned about the economy and the Commonwealth’s competitiveness for jobs. So, to embroil ourselves in the public furor over the pay raise only distracts from the Chamber’s Agenda for Jobs.

Secondly, The Chamber has not heard an outcry from our membership over the pay raise. Rather, the outcry has been over the lack of movement on our Agenda for Jobs. Therefore, see above for Rule #1.

Now, I know what you’re going to say to me... “Jim, the pay raise is a symptom of a larger problem…this is about the priorities of government and the pay raise demonstrates Government’s priorities are out-of-touch with the needs of Pennsylvania. And that dynamic is why nothing has been done on The Chamber’s Agenda.”

But this democracy thing goes both ways, and it’s not enough to complain about real or perceived problems, it’s our DUTY to do something about them. And if that’s your belief, it’s your duty, on November 7th 2006, to change the dynamics of government to ensure better priorities. In short, it’s your duty to vote accordingly.

Which brings me back to why I’m not discussing the pay raise -- As a lobbyist for the business community, I’m focused on creating a better job creation climate. I push for the issues of The Chamber’s membership and then report to the Chamber’s members who was with us and who was against us. All so they can vote accordingly.

As a voting citizen of this Commonwealth, I will join the rest of you in 2006 and decide who is worthy of election/re-election to state government. The first 6 months of this session have been evaluated, and I will evaluate the remaining 15 months before I make my decision. And in my humble world, I will do this REGARDLESS of what salary they may or may not make.

Ok. Now that I’ve stoked the fires, I’d like to know what YOU think.

(Editor’s Note: the aforesaid pay raise statement is not, was not, and will not heretofore be the official position of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, its subsidiaries, its assigns, our friends and relatives, our doctors and lawyers, the vending machine repair man, the cute water guy or anyone passing on the street.)

Comments

[AJRiches Scam?]

A buddy quizzed me personally if http://www.ajrichies.com is a SCAM? I told them that all they did was try to upsell me on batteries, cases, lenses, and when I would not upgrade, they refused to sell the camera to me. They wanted $130 more just for "Handling". http://client.alexa.com/common/images/logotrafficRankings.gif

[Panama]

Hello Im PM'ing you in the hope that you visit my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS7I1cBi4Kk, as I was told you would be able to help me with it.

[K. Fitzpatrick]

The pay raise was "sneaked" thru late at night - and, obviously, this took time from both parties leaders. Many other important issues were not addressed. Given this abuse and lack of commitment to critical issues few are worthy of election/re-election to state government