Two S.D. Councilmembers Change Position on Pay Raises

Thursday, April 17, 2008

By Andrew Phelps and KPBS Public Broadcasting

Audio

Aired 4/19/09

Two San Diego city council members who voted for council pay raises have changed their position.  They now say would oppose an increase.  KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has more.

Council President Scott Peters and Councilman Ben Hueso voted YES on pay raises for future council members. They now say they have changed their minds.

Peters says it's a matter of perception in a time of financial crisis. Police and firefighters are the only city employees who will get raises this year.
Peters: And even though I think it's appropriate to think about a raise for the council after so long, it probably is not the right time. We shouldn't be ahead of workers do the hard work of the city. I think we should probably be the last to get raises.
Peters says it is uncomfortable and politically unpopular for councilmembers to raise their own salaries. But he says the cost-of-living has soared since the last raise five years ago.

Three other council members are still on the record in support of pay raises. The mayor promises a veto.

Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.

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