Christmas comes early for the Boston City Council.
Councilors proceed at hand out hefty, taxpayer-funded pay bonuses to staffers in a observe that smacks of old style politics extra.
Councilor-at-large Michael Flaherty, who’s retiring on the finish of the yr, this week doled out practically $25,000 value of bonuses to 4 staffers, data present.
That features a $9,885 one-time bonus to staffer Paul Sullivan, $6,115 bonuses to aides Clare Brooks and Mary Karski and a $2,519 bonus to assistant Tricia Kalayjian, in accordance with data.
Flaherty isn’t the one one giving bonuses however it provides a sure sting when a councilor arms them out just a few months earlier than leaving workplace. Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson tried to present one staffer — her sister — a $7,000 bonus till she was caught by the Ethics Commission.
How many individuals want to get a $10,000 or $7,000 bonus? Lots of people work exhausting, however don’t get handed large taxpayer funded bonuses.
They get on the malfunctioning T after placing their youngsters to highschool, then their taxes go to pay this? It’s an entitlement the typical working individual within the metropolis of Boston doesn’t get. It could be a godsend to get one.
This is the most costly metropolis council in Boston historical past and some of the inept.
Councilors are effectively paid now at $103,500 yearly they usually’re quickly to get one other large increase.
All of the workers payouts had been permitted by the council however they’re not labeled on the agenda as bonuses – they’re known as an “order(s) for the reappointment of temporary employee(s)” in a sleight of hand maneuver. Not precisely clear.
Each councilor will get a price range of $341,500 to pay for employees salaries, whereas President Ed Flynn will get $400,000.
If there may be any cash leftover on the finish of the yr, councilors can spend it on bonuses so the cash isn’t returned to the price range. It’s just a little identified custom that has gone on for years.
Flynn confirmed that councilors routinely hand out bonuses after they have cash left of their accounts.
“At the end of the year if you have money left over people try to give it out as bonuses,” he mentioned. City councilors have the pliability to make these changes. People need to finish the yr with no cash left over.”
But in what’s purported to be an period of latest politics in Boston City Hall, it is a sort of observe that turns off abnormal folks.
There’s been nearly no reform at City Hall and it is a obtrusive instance. What justifies the bonus moreover the truth that they will?
It’s a observe that ought to be discontinued and the dysfunctional City Council ought to set an instance.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”