Today more attention is being drawn to Rod Wright's salary, thanks to L.A. Times columnist Sandy Banks. Never one to go along to get along, Wright has refused to join his colleagues in accepting a 5 percent pay cut.
Banks wonders if that doesn't convey a sense of arrogance, and quotes a Cal State professor who said that legislators live in a bubble.
But of course Wright is not insulated from fiscal realities. In fact, he has close contact with people who are sacrificing due to the budget crisis, namely his own staff.
Like all other Senate staffers who make more than $50,000 a year, Wright's staffers will be taking a mandatory furlough equivalent to a 5 percent cut. They have also seen their health benefits slashed.
Asked on Thursday whether that had created any tension around the office, given that he has opted not to give back any of his $116,000 salary, Wright said "no."
"I've not had any staff concerned about what I get paid," Wright said. "If somebody's concerned, I guess they'll go work someplace else."
Wright pointed out that unlike his staffers, he does not get a pension.
"Many of the people were working here when I came, and will be working here when term limits force me out," he said. "My staff is quite comfortable with what I do, and we work together as a unit."
Banks wonders if that doesn't convey a sense of arrogance, and quotes a Cal State professor who said that legislators live in a bubble.
But of course Wright is not insulated from fiscal realities. In fact, he has close contact with people who are sacrificing due to the budget crisis, namely his own staff.
Like all other Senate staffers who make more than $50,000 a year, Wright's staffers will be taking a mandatory furlough equivalent to a 5 percent cut. They have also seen their health benefits slashed.
Asked on Thursday whether that had created any tension around the office, given that he has opted not to give back any of his $116,000 salary, Wright said "no."
"I've not had any staff concerned about what I get paid," Wright said. "If somebody's concerned, I guess they'll go work someplace else."
Wright pointed out that unlike his staffers, he does not get a pension.
"Many of the people were working here when I came, and will be working here when term limits force me out," he said. "My staff is quite comfortable with what I do, and we work together as a unit."
