Yard Sales Coming Soon

In an effort to provide a much needed community service I have registered salisburyyardsales.blogspot.com. This site Is in no way connected to my political beliefs or the salisburygrinch and will be open to all.

As the weather gets warmer and yard sales get going again, I want to provide a place for people to post their items. If you don't feel like writing a description of your stuff send a picture and the address and I will list that way. I will also link to google maps for ease of finding the address. All yard sales must be received by Thursday evening for post . This will be a great thing for our community.

Muir Boda On Council Benefits

I wanted to take a moment to clarify for some my position on health benefits for Elected Officials.

My initial position was that I did not support it for a couple of reasons.
The first being that the positions are classified as part-time.  Part-time employees for the city do not receive benefits.  Comparing benefits to the private sector for part-time employees will show that most companies do not offer benefits and most of those that do require a two year waiting period and the individual covered usually has a modified coverage or more out of pocket costs.

The second being that allowing elected officials coverage for themselves and their families creates a situation where one “employee” is being compensated more than another.  The salary being $10,000 a year, with family coverage on health benefits it could reach $21,000 or more.

So in the spirit of compromise at a recent forum and several meet and greets I attended, I offered the following solution in a modification of my position on the issue.

We need to take a look at the compensation package offered as whole to Elected Officials.  I suggest we consider raising the compensation to $15,000 a year to include health benefits, with a $5,000 credit towards the health benefits if they so choose to join the plan.  Any cost of the plan that exceeds $5,000 worth of coverage would be deducted from the pay at the cost of the participant.  If a council member chose not to accept the health benefits then they would receive that $5,000 in pay.

I believe that is a fair compromise.

On the issue of the Charter Amendment, I do not support it nor the way in which it was done after the Mayor vetoed the legislation.  The all or nothing attitude on this and many other issues continually drives people apart, creates a negative perception of the legislative process and frustrates citizens who want an open and fair legislative process.

My approach to all issues is to be inclusive and respect each council member and the Office of the Mayor.  We must understand that we will not always get what we want on every issue and the best way is to look for solutions that includes every one’s input.