In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Don Horsley - just sworn in as president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors this past week - has issued a statement indicating he has decided to forego a salary after all.
Previously, after indicating he would forego the $120,000-per-year supervisor salary during his campaign for election, and then going without pay for two years, Horsley announced recently that his family's financial situation had changed and he would begin collecting the salary this year, on top of the $215,000-per-year pension he receives as the county's former sheriff.
The decision met with a bit of an outcry from county voters, some of whom said they felt cheated since his decision to forego the salary was part of the reason they voted for him. Some even suggested he should be recalled for going back on his campaign promise.
The San Jose Mercury News quoted parts of Horsley's statement Saturday.
"I made a commitment to forgo the salary, and I will keep that commitment," the statement said.
The Mercury said Horsley was refusing interviews, and would not comment on what made him change his mind about taking the salary.
What do you think of Horsley's change of heart? Tell us in the comments.
Wonderful outcome.
Wake up al you Obama supporters!!!!!!!!!! The system is unstainable.
But activists like Mr. Stogner deserve credit for reminding the powerful that they are not invulnerable in a democracy. Celery, indeed!
Something should be done about that. How are they saving us taxpayers money? I'm paying more than ever, more sales tax for this and more for that. Guess that means 100K pensions for public servants whose job is to hold countless meetings.
In a Jan. 19, 2009, press release, 18 months before the June 2010 primary election, San Bruno-based political consultant Ed McGovern leads with this statement attributed to Mr. Horsley: "As a former San Mateo County Sheriff and county employee, I am fortunate that I receive an excellent package of benefits, and believe the compensation I would be awarded as a County Supervisor would be better spent elsewhere. Therefore, if elected, I will forgo my salary and benefits so that the money may be used for other County needs." For me this is about keeping an election campaign promise that nobody asked Don Horsley to make in the first place. It is not about pensions or double dipping. It's about being honest.
People like Horsley are only motivated by their own greed, and desire to be 'big shots'. They don't care one iota about the lives of their constituents. And, just because something is not illegal does not make it ethical. It's a poor excuse, but one used too often.
Anyone can call or email their city manager and request a list of all city workers salaries. It is required by law that the informaiton is sent to you. Some of the salaries are reasonable and some are not in my opinion. It is the guaranteed pensiosn with no risk that concerns me most. I encourage you all to follow the money!