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New math in editorial

Sat., April 16, 2016

The new math used in The Spokesman-Review editorial on City Council pay this subject was amusing.

If anyone cares, $18,000 in 1991 adjusted for inflation would equal $31,336 today. The $12,000 raise in 2008 was a 67 percent increase. The proposed raise is just over 50 percent. The two raises combined represent just over a 150 percent increase from 1991, whereas the cost of living index has increased 74 percent from 1991 to the present.

Hire a temporary receptionist to screen their calls for a couple of months. Do they each get 20 calls a day from their constituents that warrant follow up? Or do they each get 20 calls a year? Probably not a full-time job.

Gilbert Hart

Spokane

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