A recent letter to the editor stated a position that has also been running through my mind since financial problems with the city of Spokane have arisen and the city police and fire seem to have no concern other than some of their fellow workers are going to lose their jobs and incomes.

As I seem to recall, before my recent departure from being in a position to read the news for two and a half weeks, these groups were in line for pay raises at 5% a year for each of the next three years! I wonder, if they are concerned about the stability of these departments and the welfare of many of their comrades, that it might not hurt if they refused the raises or even consider a 10% cut in pay until such time as the money becomes available.

Many people, especially small businesses cannot raise their prices to afford these public employees. More likely they will absorb the extra cost with a reduced net in their own income. Several of the airline employees are finally getting it figured out that in order to preserve their jobs and company, it is necessary for them to make DEEP cuts in their income. The public employees in Spokane are sacred cows? Incidently I don't live in the city.

Vern Slichter
Spokane Valley

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