Why do MP's make so much?

[hoser1970]

The electorate should decide the pay each election, by referendum, with the median value winning. This value could amount to a pay raise or a pay cut.

Simple question...assuming you were not already unemployed, would YOU or ANYONE YOU KNOW, apply and accept a job where the employer could not tell you upfront what the compensation would be?

And really, since most people hate politicians, do you think this would truly represent fair compensation?

I too am opposed to the idea of policitians setting their own salaries, but I have to believe their is a better solution than this!

 

[TQM]

solitaria,

I provided you a link to an article. I'll go further and suggest his earnings sometimes were more than triple.

So do you think I'm making it up, little one?

 

[solitaria]

I provided you a link to an article. I'll go further and suggest his earnings sometimes were more than triple.

So do you think I'm making it up, little one?

Yes, I strongly suspect you are full of shit. I think you are confusing investment income with employment income.

PS - You are trying too hard to yank my chain.

 

[markvee]

Simple question...assuming you were not already unemployed, would YOU or ANYONE YOU KNOW, apply and accept a job where the employer could not tell you upfront what the compensation would be?

Good point, how's this for a compromise. The amount voted on in the referendum would apply after the next election, so that candidates would know their pay up front.

And really, since most people hate politicians, do you think this would truly represent fair compensation?

I too am opposed to the idea of policitians setting their own salaries, but I have to believe their is a better solution than this!

Here's another possibility, the politicians ask for a pay hike, and the voters vote yes or no in a referendum at election time. Candidates would know going into the election that they would get at least the pre-pay hike amount.

 

[hoser1970]

As for technical skills, you're really missing the boat on that one. Senior bureaucrats and MPs aren't hired/paid for their technical skills. They're hired for their leadership and organizational skills. If I had a nickel for every technocrat who couldn't establish a positive relationship if their life depended on it, I'd be a millionaire. The techies should stick to what they do best and leave the managing to those can manage (at least, what few there are since no talented manager with an ounce of common sense would want to work in gov't).

You hit the nail right on the head! People with "technical" knowledge such as engineers, project managers, etc., feel they should be paid at the top of the scale! Bottom line is that these are skills that can be TAUGHT and can be LEARNED! While they deserve to be paid a fair wage, they are NOT the equivalent of the "soft" skills such as change leadership, problem resolution, negotiation, and people management.

These attributes require a significant amount of "emotional intelligence" and are far more difficult to develop. As a result, they demand a significantly higher premium than the the "technical" knowledge that can be developed by universities, etc in many individuals. Sadly, those individuals possessing all of the the technical knowledge and none of the soft skills never appreciate the value of these higher knowledge skillsets!

Notwithstanding any of the above, ANY individual who is willing to subject themselves to the intense public scrutiny of their current, and past, activities; who is willing to accept termination of their employment at the whim of a fickle electorate; and who is willing to suffer personal and professional character assassination at the hands of their political opponents is, IMHO, worthy of a salary of $150K per year.

Or, to put it more simply, Solitaria, they are paid this amount to have to listen to people like you!

 

[hoser1970]

Good point, how's this for a compromise. The amount voted on in the referendum would apply after the next election, so that candidates would know their pay up front.

Here's another possibility, the politicians ask for a pay hike, and the voters vote yes or no in a referendum at election time. Candidates would know going into the election that they would get at least the pre-pay hike amount.

VERY fair comprimise! How about adding in that, at a minimum, they would automatically receive an increase equal to the average rate of inflation every second election? This would guarantee them an increase of, roughly, 3% every 8 years or so. Furthermore, this would help counter the argument that any pay raise they were proposing would be to offset the increasing cost of living.

Or, alternatively, simply guarantee them an increase equal to the average cost of inflation over the previous term of their employment. Same rules to apply should a period of deflation occur.

I fully support the concept that NO ONE should enter Public Office in order to "get rich". Whatever that really means.

 

[markvee]

VERY fair comprimise! How about adding in that, at a minimum, they would automatically receive an increase equal to the average rate of inflation every second election?

Does the minimum wage get an automatic inflation adjustment?

Inflation adjustments are a disincentive for the politicians to work to minimize inflation. They maintain their pay during inflation while many of the rest of us suffer.

How about MP's having to ask the boss (the voters) for a raise, just like the rest of us?

 

[clubber]

Compensation should not be based on hard MP's work but rather on how productive they are at their jobs. There are plenty of people that work as hard or harder than MP's but make a fraction of their salaries. How hard an MP works shouldn't be used as justification for what they make.

Plenty of people work less hard and make much more as well. The thing is life is not fair. If you want to be a MP join a party that you can stomach, and work for a candiadate wait your time, then get nominated fight the other candidates, and if you win that run for you party. If elected you too can live this cushy life of an MP.