Broke, woke and armed with a crazy plan: Pay the lunatics running the asylum even more
Oakland’s incompetent government is at it again.City officials, led by Mayor Barbara Lee, have asked voters on Nov.3 to change the City Charter.The ballot measure would increase the mayor’s power — and clear the way for massive compensation hikes for members of the City Council.
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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story How massive? The city’s eight council members, who now collect $148,500 a year apiece in comp, stand to receive compensation bumps of up to $108,000 each. That’s a possible $256,500 annual payout per council member.Say what? California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!It’s fair to ask: What’s this group done to collect a 73% raise — in a city that already pays its council members more per capita than any other large city in California?Well, for starters, the council’s mismanaged the city budget for years.Oakland also has a crazy infrastructure repair backlog, with a 40% of underground storm-drain systems failing, per the city itself. Meanwhile, voters in June soundly rejected a proposed parcel tax intended to help prop up city finances.It was a vote of no confidence.Proponents of the salary hikes claim that boosting compensation will attract stronger candidates to serve on the council.And how’s that worked out for LA?Los Angeles, which pays council members a base salary of $244,727 to $245,255 per year, is one of the few cities in the state with an even worse record than Oakland.It’s also worth noting that the measure would consolidate power in the mayor’s office.
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