WOW! What do you think? Good thing the Mayor election is over! Is this even nice? I mean the average Joe like you and me can’t even begin to relate to this. At FGGAM all we need is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 to operate this ministry for a year, and this guy gets a $33,000 raise?
In these times of economic depression I think this is a kick in the pants to tax payers. This is insult to injury. Dave McKay did the front page write up for the Journal and I am thankful for his reporting. Rob Perry is the man getting the $33,000 raise and I am sure Mr. Perry feels he is worth it, he was up for the top job at the New Mexico Finance Authority and the Mayor felt he was to valuable to the City of Albuquerque, so Mayor Berry gave him an early Christmas present, $33,000! That is enough for Albuquerque voters to choke on their grape-nuts this morning.
Timing is everything, and now is not the time for raises or salaries like this, it shakes people’s confidence. The American people are shook enough! That $33,000 is more than the yearly average income in New Mexico.
P.S. Some City workers have not had a raise since 2010. Mayor Berry: I voted for you, and can understand your desire to hang onto people that have worked very well with you and for the City, but now is not the time for individuals to be paid that type of money and to receive that type of raise. The disconnect between the average Joe and Jane with our government continues.
I have to add that my lovely wife Sharon is a nurse and they did not get raises, many deserving people are going without. I believe the Mayor will regret this, as this is the worst move by him during his time as Mayor.
Update: Just talked face to face with a City Worker who has been with the City for almost 20 years. He has not received a raise in 7 years, in fact his pay has been CUT during these difficult times.