Souza: CdA Needs Reality Check

Overall, the city of Coeur d’Alene wins the prize for biggest paychecks to public employees. Here we are, in the midst of the highest Cd’A jobless rate in 26 years, at 10.3 percent unemployment for July. Most private businesses have cut positions, scaled back hours and reduced benefits to survive during this economic downturn. Those who have lost their jobs are struggling on unemployment, if they can get it, cutting all extras and watching every dime. So what did our mayor and City Council negotiate with the well paid city employees? They excitedly announced the city employees agreed not to take a raise this year!/ Mary Souza , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here .

Question: In Thursday’s poll, 69% of you said that the city should cut hours, salary, and even staff, rather than go ahead with plans to raise property taxes 2%. Which means this is one of those infrequent times when Merry Hucksters agree with Mary Quite Contrary. How big of an issue do you think city salaries will be in the fall election?