To the Editor -
A $63,000 raise. Wow!
The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, which is composed of the leadership of the Kentucky General Assembly, voted 11 to 5 to increase the salary of its director Bobby Sherman from $132,840 to $195,000. That's a 47% raise. He had threatened to quit if he didn't get the raise.
Something should be done about this. For example, legislation should be introduced reducing Sherman's salary. Also, when legislative leaders are chosen this January, only those committed to reducing this unjustified pay increase should be considered.
Pure and simple, Bobby Sherman is not worth $195T. And, especially not in these hard times. The General Assembly is voting to cut other budget but expanding its. That is, when they actually do adopt a budget or actually get legislation passed on time before the session expires. One of the legislators voting for the raise was Republican Senator David Williams who has a 48 inch TV in his office paid for by tax dollars. This $195T salary is rubbing salt in the wound.
This goes far beyond Bobby Sherman's raise. If the Kentucky legislature cannot resist this petty threat, then it is doubtful it can address the serious problems facing the Commonwealth.
On a positive note lets congratulate the five, all Democrats, who voted against the pay raise:
* Sen. Joey Pendleton of Hopkinsville,
* Rep. Jody Richards of Bowling Green,
* Rep. Larry Clark of Louisville,
* Rep. Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook, and
* Rep. Charlie Hoffman of Georgetown.
