Comments from the February 1 and other comments Posted: Sunday, February 1st, 2009 I enjoy your show every week, thanks very much.
I am a NC native, a graduate of NCSU and a career state employee (23 years at NCSU Libraries) I must respond to Mr. Mavretic's statement today about cutting all state employees' salaries and retirees' benefits 10% to fund a stimulus package. I would be willing to give up some of my salary, but perhaps not 10%. I think we could employ the formula the legislature has used to give raises: $1000 or 2.5% of ones salary, whichever is greater. Those earning more money have gotten bigger raises in the past and could afford to give up a larger chunk of salary. I agree with Mr. Fitzsimon, those making the least amount should not give up one cent. Actually, they should get big raises.
I'd also like to see state government, starting with the highest level of leadership, freeze THEIR salaries and kick a nice chunk back. If President Obama's staff can afford to do that in DC where the cost of living is considerably higher, we should certainly follow suit.
I am so tired of hearing state employees being lambasted as the cause of the budget woes with our "Cadillac" retirement plan and health insurance. In more prosperous days, folks laughed at us for "settling" for the pittances we earn. We received no stock options or annual bonuses, even if we excelled. A lot of us work for salaries below the private sector (or what the the private sector USED to pay) because we love for our state and we care about other people. In my case I am able to serve my alma mater as well as NC. We did not join state government to get rich or to be slack; we work to serve our state and its citizens.
Chris Fitzsimon is my hero! I respect John Hood a lot and enjoy hearing his ideas even though I am a tax and spend liberal ;-) Tom Campbell is a superb moderator. I wish the show could be an hour long.
I would also like to see a show devoted to the state health plan's malaise and the relationship between Tony Rand and BCBS.
Anne Navarro
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