newsobserver.com projects - Alaska - Comments

Re: N.C. legislators have smaller salaries

rangerking1993 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:01:55 -0500

I don't understand how we expect everyone to get involved in politics (or at least have a shot) when the pay for legislators is too low. Either someone has a working spouse who makes enough money or the individual is wealthy to begin with. If someone does not make enough or holding another job to cover costs is not possible (such as teaching) is not democratic as people are excluded from the process. Even the U.S. Virgin Islands pay their legislators more.

Self Government Cost, you Knownothings !!

riverrd — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:45:28 -0500

How dumb can most of you people be!! Democracy and Self-government cost! This is no longer a state of a small number of farmers and craftmens as it was when it was formed out of the wilderness! We cannot rely on a few 'Gentleman Farmers' to gather for a few weeks each year to past tariffs and laws against stealing horses, at their own expense. This is the 21st Century with 21st Century problems and needs. Governing this great state is a Full Time Job in need of Full Time Legislators and they need and must be paid as professionals! And it means a larger salary financed by taxes, yes I said TAXES! The acts of our Legislature have a deep and profound effect on our lives and I want the best we can elect to make these laws. Those of you who scream 'NO NEW TAXES' at everything, and I use this term with all due respect, are idiots! You people are just true-believing, Flat-Earth Republicans that cannot understand the world in which you live. If you depend on a doctor or lawyer or teacher, then you want the best you or your family can afford. The same applys for your government. Grow up and become educated on how self-government works!

Re: N.C. legislators have smaller salaries

tangoz — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:03:43 -0500

Wow now we kmow why California is so screwed up and so deep in debt. Maybe they need to take a 20% pay cut to help their multi billion dollar debt.

Re: N.C. legislators have smaller salaries

robdarich — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:10:11 -0500

what's popular now is attribution and pay-for-performance. If that was the case there'd be less comparison with the uncorrelated and possibly a call to have legislators paid for what they're worth (I would suggest they owe us money).

Re: N.C. legislators have smaller salaries

agroen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:06:44 -0500

New Hampshire, which has the largest legislature, also has a unique pay system for it's House of Reps. It pays $100/year to each Member. Ouch.

http://www.csg.org/about/documents/PagesfromFebruaryStateNews.pdf

Re: Group pushes for better online budget

CitizenOpinionated — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:40:03 -0500

Protzman would rather we strike the term "grassroots" and opt for the oh-so popular "community organizer." I am sure Protzman would rather the funding to come from the Golden Leaf Foundation.

And by "Puppetshow" comment, are you referring to Gov.-elect Perdue, Sen. Basnight, Sen. Rand, etc.? If so, then yes I concur that "there is nothing the Puppetshow does that is not partisan, no matter how many winks and nods they offer when challenged on that claim." As was the case when the looming study on Offshore Drilling was announced by Sen. Basnight...all the while the legislation will never see the light of day. Only costing the taxpayers of NC a meager $100,000.

The term grassroots simply refers to reaching the individual citizenry. A website is a tool that is easily utilized by the individual citizen, thus the phrasing is appropriate in this situation.

As for transparency of their website... It is a new organization, so be patient...regardless there is a fundamental difference. We elect the governmental officials; therefore, they are beholden to our wishes...lest we forget this notion. My wish, as should be every citizens', is that I know where, how much and when my taxpaying dollars are being spent. This organization is a private group of citizens...plus is what they are calling for that bad...?

Why are liberals so angry right now? They have their leaders in place...

Transparency?

RobSchofield — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:34:13 -0500

It might also be nice if a group dedicated to "transparency" included a little more info on its website -- like who who started it, who's on the board, and who belongs to the "coalition," etc...

Grass roots?

James_Protzman — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:28:11 -0500

But Onorio said the group aims to be bipartisan. "We want to get anyone and everyone who supports this on board," she said. "This is not a partisan issue whatsoever."

Really? Then why is this so called "grass roots" organization being funded by Art Pope, the knight of the right with a 527 group dedicated to creating a Republican Legislative Majority? In my experience, there is nothing the Puppetshow does that is not partisan, no matter how many winks and nods they offer when challenged on that claim.

Please stop using the term "grass roots" just because an organization claims that descriptor.

Re: Burr: Voters should decide on Stevens

obie84 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:49:19 -0400

So, the Republicans in the Senate tried to throw Idaho's Larry Craig (admittedly an irredeemable hypocrite) under the bus for being a closeted gay; but for Ted Stevens, convicted of seven felony counts of lying about receiving gifts (bribes), it is too hasty to suggest resignation. Gee, Senator Burr, you are such a softy.

Re: Dole voted to keep Bridge to Nowhere

Gosh — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:03:15 -0400

If you had to sleep with Bob Dole every night, you'd want a bridge to nowhere too.