Pay raise?
I, along with others in attendance at the council meeting of June 20 were dumbfounded by a council member two weeks after election having the nerve to ask for a raise. Did he not understand the pay when he ran for reelection?
Kudos to Councilman Gavin for taking the floor and expressing his opinion on the raise. Being a public servant means serving the public. The money should not be the reason to serve and he stated as much. Councilman Box echoed the same, stating Columbus council is paid on the high end for cities our size.
The mayor also voiced his opposition stating, a raise may be in order for the city workers.
Councilmen Box, Jones and Gavin voted against the raise. Councilman Taylor and Mickens voted for a raise. What a way to start out. Hoping the council can band together for the better good of the city.
A bright spot is our police department. We now have our police manning up in the mid 60s. Hopefully, that number will increase. We have a fine department from top to bottom. Hats off to Chief Lewis for his leadership over these months and to Assistant Chief Shelton for the foundation he has built in the department.
To each of those that make up the department from clerical to patrolman, thank you. It is my prayer that every law abiding citizen in Columbus will “have your back.” Again thank you.
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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