If you haven't checked out the LBPost news Web site, its new CityPay database that allows people to search for city employees' salary by name, department or position is creating quite a bit of controversy. City workers clearly aren't happy with seeing their salary made so public -- not to mention their middle names in many cases, which some consider an identity theft risk -- but they are public employees and the info is all public record. Even George Economides, publisher of the Long Beach Business Journal who prints a list every year of the city employees by title who earn more than $100,000, has criticized the database.
However, as LBPost Publisher Shaun Lumachi points out, the Sacramento Bee, the Los Angeles Daily News and other media have created similar databases listing government workers' pay by name. What do you think? Is the database inappropriate or unethical? Is it a fair form of government transparency?
However, as LBPost Publisher Shaun Lumachi points out, the Sacramento Bee, the Los Angeles Daily News and other media have created similar databases listing government workers' pay by name. What do you think? Is the database inappropriate or unethical? Is it a fair form of government transparency?
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
Just because it's legal and a matter of public record, doesn't necessarily mean it's right. The salary for a public position is one thing, but the people holding those positions are private citizens, too, really. This is taking "transparency" too far.
I think the data base is very appropriate. These are public employees. The public pays their salary, why shouldn't the public know? The stir should be about NOT knowing how much each person makes. I found it interesting that my council woman is paid @$30,000. I thought that was too low. I think the mayor is underpaid, as well-- considering his executive assistant makes more than he does and the city manager makes more than double what Foster makes. I would be just as interested in finding out the "bennies" and perks (i.e.health insurance, pension plan, use of vehicle, etc.). The salary is only part of the financial equation.
I think our appointed officials pay needs to be posted above all. The normal working person shouldn't have to have their pay on a public database. Those whose are in positions where their pay is from the taxpayers should be known and made public. I can see by looking at the database information it seems some are making quite a bit less than others with the same job title. Why is that?