Hoy, Amanda

From:

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Subject:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:16 PM Rogers, Ben RE: Supervisor Pay

"To convert a percentage to a decimal, you divide the percentage by 100. 50,1.0% as a decimal (divide by 100)=0.01. If you divide 0.01 by another 10th, you get .001 or one-one thousandth. 1/10'h of 1% is exactly the same as 0.001. " I COMPLETELY agree with the above statement. However, in your ORIGINAL email, you stated this: "That amount is .001% of.our budget or l/lO'h of 1%." .001 % does NOT equal .1% or 1/10th of 1 %. So please make certain your argument is consistent at all times when you make it. As one of your constituents, I would approve a .001 % raise. I understood what you were TRYING to say, especially when I saw the same 1/10th of 1 % in the newspaper. That is not the way you originally stated the numeric value. Do you now understand the point I was trying to make, or do the details still escape you? If you do see it, I would appreciate an apology for assuming that I don't know "how to do the math." Thank you. Cedar Rapids, IA

From: Rogers, Ben [mailto:Ben.Rogers@linncounty.org]

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:58 AM

To:

Subject: RE: Supervisor Pay

To convert a percentage to a decimal, you divide the percentage by 100. 50,1.0% as a decimal (divide by 100)=0.01. If you divide 0.01 by another 10th, you get .001 or one-one thousandth. l/lO'h of 1% is exactly the same as 0.001. You are incorrect about the 5 of us filing in the 3 positions at the same salary base. In 2007 the community voted to increase the Supervisors from 3 At Large Districts to 5 from districts. Nowhere did it say the 3 Supervisors full time salary would be divided by 5. The Farm Bureau was the organization that organized the change from 3 to 5 Supervisors. I am not oblivious to the arguments made by those who disagree with this decision. Our voluntary reduction has been that, voluntary. I am very mindful of the standpoint of the economy. That is why 1/10'h of 1% of our budget does not change the budget. Your taxes will not go up because of this. Yourtaxes would not go down if we didn't. This is so insignificant compared to the $120m budget we passed with no public involvement even though all ofthem were public meetings. Ben

Ben Rogers
Linn County Board of Supervisors District 3 2500 Edgewood Road SW Cedar Rapids IA 52404 319-892-5106: Office 319-573-8295: Cell ben. rogers@linncounty.org www.linncounty.org www.twitter.com/benrrogers

From:

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:06 AM

To: Rogers, Ben

Subject: RE: Supervisor Pay

So, which is it? ".001 % or 1/10th of 1 %"? Those numbers do NOT represent the same value. And you are 20% of our County budget representation? You might want to go back to your late grade school education and take a refresher .. 001% is actually 1/1000'h of 1 percent. Besides that, you missed the point of my email entirely. You may be full time, but there are 5 of you to cover a job that had a salary based on 3 people filling the position. The request to increase the membership of the Board of Supervisors was lacking in foresight by not addressing the salary issue at the time. That presented the collective you with a problem. The issue that upsets the people you've heard from is the fact that all 5 of you seem oblivious to the arguments of your detractors. Try and think about it from the standpoint of the economy, the labor market in the area and being a good steward of the assets with which you've been entrusted. You ran for office this time around knowing what the salary was. The political arena is filled with malfeasance, twisting of facts, outright lies, etc., etc., etc. It would be refreshing to see local representatives act with integrity, transparency, and truly thinking about how this move will be/has been perceived. I don't believe that any of your members have truly done that and that is what irritates me. Perception is reality. I really haven't seen much of anything to make a case to justify increasing your salary, all history and rhetoric aside. Those are my thoughts.

Cedar Rapids, IA

From: Rogers, Ben [mailto:Ben.Rogers@linncountv.org]

Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 8:43 AM

To:

Subject: RE: Supervisor Pay

I disagree with your comments that this would have been done quietly. Our annual compensation board meeting was held on January 24th and was open to the public. Rick Smith of the Gazette reported on that meeting, as did KCRG and KWWL. Todd Dorman has written two articles on this issue and so has the Gazette Editorial Board. Twice this subject has been a topic on Bob Bruce's radio show, where I was the guest. None of this has been done quickly or quietly. We have been very open about the Compensation Board's recommendation. This is the final piece of our budget process, which we have been reviewing since November. By law we have to finalize th the budget, publish it in the paper, hold a public hearing and have it submitted to the State by March 13

As you are aware, we have voluntarily reduced our salaries by 20% since 2009. At 100% full time salary status we would be making exactly the same as the Treasurer, Auditor and Recorder. We would have been making that amount if we had not voluntarily reduced our own salaries. All we would be doing is reinstating ourselves to full time status come July 1. The amount of money to go from 80% to 100% of our salaries would not cause us to increase taxes. That amount is .001% of our budget or 1/10'h of 1%. This can be managed in our budget, which is lean and more efficient than any other county in the state. Ben

Ben Rogers
Linn County Board of Supervisors District 3 2500 Edgewood Road SW Cedar Rapids IA 52404 319-892-5106: Office 319-573-8295: Cell ben.rogers@linncounty.org www.linncounty.org
www.twitter.com/benrrogers

From:

Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2013 6:04 PM

To: Harris, John Cc: Oleson, Brent; Rogers, Ben; Langston, Linda; Barron, Lu Subject: Supervisor Pay

Linn County Supervisors: I will tell you that my husband and I COMPLETELY agree with Mr. Doman from The Gazette. If it weren't for his articles in the paper, this raise would already have been (quietly) approved. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that you should even be considering raising YOUR OWN salaries. If you sincerely feel that this will benefit your constituents, may I suggest that you put the issue to a ballot and find out how we rea lIy feel. Where in our community can you find someone that gets a 25% raise from their boss? Where in your budget will you find to cut $92,953.73 to offset these raises? That is how much money you are looking to add to the Linn County budget with your "proposed" salary increase alone. Because Ms. Langston seems to think there may be lean budget times ahead, NOW is a good time to add nearly $100,000 to the budget?!?!? Are you kidding me?!?!? This is the time to make the budget as lean as it possibly can be and look for ways to accomplish more with less. The proposed raises are not a way to accomplish that goal. Perhaps a look around at local businesses and what their raises were this year might be a good place to start. There are still companies in Linn County that are not giving raises to their employees. Why are you so arrogant as to suggest that you deserve a 25% raise??? Everybody's job has gotten more complicated. We all have tons of meetings to go to. If you don't like the criticism you have received as an elected official, perhaps the time has come to stop whining and leave office. I am tired of the Board of Supervisors trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the citizens of Linn County. JUST SAY NO!

Cedar Rapids, IA

Hoy, Amanda
From: Sent: To:

Cc:
Subject: Importance:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:17 PM Rogers, Ben Barron, Lu; todd.dorman@thegazette.com; Board Internet Address; RE: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Low

Thnak you for the clarifying data. I am reminded more clearly of the circumstances. I am still unconvinced that a value proposition for the taxpayers exists warrenting a return to full salary. Additionally I am not swayed that a commitment made just a few years ago should change today. Change in county, department size, demographics, logistics and overall effort, at the level of supervisor need to be explained in detail. Define each element of strategic planning, issue and risk mitigation, whatever led you all to the conclusion that you need a significant salary hike, and how each element is different today than 3-5 years ago. That would be a compelling story, backed by specific data and would instill confidence that critical thinking, based on relevant data is driving an important decision.

From: Ben.Rogers@linncounty.org To: CC: Lu.Barron@linncounty.org; todd.dorman@thegazette.com; BDNETDL@linncounty.org; Subject: Re: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:48:35 +0000

As a point of reference, the Board of Supervisors didn't choose by themselves to go from three to five; the community did. In 2007 there was a county wide vote on this issue to have 5 Supervisors representing districts. As such, the compensation would be that at the rate of the Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder. In 2009, under pressure the board decided to voluntarily reduce our salaries. The Farm Bureau did lead the effort to get petition signatures to get this issue on a ballot. As I understand it, they wanted more rural representation on the Board. That was the impetus for their petition drive. Similar to Lu, I am not trying to change your mind. There were, however, some inaccuracies that I wanted to make sure were addressed. Ben Ben Rogers Linn County Supervisor (c) 319-573-8295 (e) ben.rogers@linncountv.org Twitter: @benrrogers On Feb 12, 2013, at 11:34, Mrs Barron, Thank you for your feedback, but I am less and less convinced with each communication I receive from
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wrote:

the board. Your response below, though a mere two sentences, speaks volumes to me as a citizen on the receiving end of a communication from my elected official: 1. The fact that you are quick to remove yourself and others from the decision to have a five member board, is not evidence that those five members deserve a 25% pay raise. In fact, it seems as though you might have preferred to keep the board at three members. Why then, would anyone approve paying five members a 25% salary increase, when a three member board was sufficient all along? 2. I expect my elected officials to be leaders in the community. Leaders accept ownership and accountability for their job and their department, regardless of situations that they may not agree with and decisions that do not always go their way. Your response " ... in order to get a farmer on the Board", does not engender confidence that you truly wish to lead this county office, and frankly sounds as though you may have a grudge. At a minimum, I need to hear as a citizen that the board in this configuration has potential to serve the needs, or that it needs to change. Please, abandon or reject this proposal.

From: Lu.Barron@linncountv.org To: Subject: RE: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:46:47 +0000

I know I cannot change your mind however you should have actuate information. I did not nor did Jim or Linda support going to 5 Supervisors. That was led by the Farm Bureau in order to get a farmer on the Board.
Lu

From: Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 4:45 PM

To: Rogers, Ben; Board Internet Address; todd.dorman@thegazette.com Subject: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Importance: Low
Thank you for responding promptly. Regarding your first point, of a voluntary 20% salary reduction, it seems that important information is missing to be able to put that situation into full context. For example, there were three board members at that time, lobbying for five. Self imposing the 20% salary reduction was done, primarilly to facilitate adding the two new positions, while also squelching some public outcry over the cost of the new positions. I don't see any compelling data in your response that would change my opinion. Certainly asking others to reduce their salaries is not even germane to the conversation. (they did not ask to increase their staff by 40%). It looks more like an attempt to deflect attention from the real problem. In fact all the maneuvering recently feels contrived and insincere. that a commitment made just a few short years ago can now be simply ignored and tossed aside. Thank you again for your response. ;

From: Ben.Rogers@linncountv.org BDNETDL@linncountv.org; To: odd.dorman@thegazette.com Subject: RE: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:11:57 +0000 Mr. I appreciate your email to the Board and for informing us of your opinion. As you are aware, we have for the past several years voluntarily reduced our salary by 20%. It has been recommended that we remove that self-imposed reduction and return to the salary that we would have been making; which is also the exact same salary as the Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder. I would also note that I asked in today's open meeting if the Treasurer and Auditor, who were in attendance, would voluntarily reduce their salaries by 20%. As you can imagine, their answer was not yes. For the record, the amount to go from 80%' to 100% of our salary would not raise taxes. In fact, the total amount is 0.001% or l/lO'h of 1% of our $100m+ budget. I am not minimizing your concerns or objections, but I did want to put it into perspective. Since 2009, here are some of our major accomplishments that I am most proud of: -The County levy rate has not been increased in 3 years. -The County levy rate is less today than it was 4 years ago and is the smallest tax rate compared to other large counties in Iowa. -Linn County is the only county in the Midwest with an Aaa (Triple-A) bond rating from Moody's Rating Agency. -Over 80% of our flood recovery/rebuilding was achieved through direct and intense lobbying efforts to FEMA, the State and IJOBS grant. While these were tax payer pools of money (FEMA, State), it did not increase the tax burden on local Linn County tax payers. "Through studious and proper oversight of our reconstruction, every single one of our building projects was under budget. -Our budgeting for outcomes practices has leaned out the budget, created greater efficiencies and as a result, we have been able to keep taxes low without an increase for several years. We are the only county in the Midwest that incorporates innovative budgeting like Budgeting for Outcomes. -All of our new buildings are energy efficient and employed a significant number of local laborers (union and non-union). We have achieved all of this, and many more issues, with our full time focus. Unlike other counties like Scott and Polk, we do not employ a professional county manager to oversee the day to day operations of the county. I was not in the interview where the comments were made about passing this increase now before property tax reform, so I cannot attest to this comment and the context in which it was said. Thank you again for contacting the Board, Ben

Ben Rogers Linn County Board of Supervisors District 3 2500 Edgewood Road SW Cedar Rapids IA 52404 319-892-5106: Office 319-573-8295: Cell ben.rogers@linncounty.org
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www.linncountv.org www.twitter.com/benrrogers

From: Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 2:44 PM

To: Board Internet Address;
todd.dorman@thegazette,com

Subject: [Is likely SPAM] Supervisor Pay Raise Importance: Low

I wish to go on record as opposing any pay raise to the members of the Linn Supervisor Board. Thanks to Todd Dorman and his persistence in keeping us informed. For example: "I asked them if they could cite a single tangible benefit that this pay raise would provide to their constituents. "Honestly, likely not at this time," Langston said ... 11 And: "Langston's argument that the board should pass this now because property tax cuts could mean lean budgets ahead is truly astounding. I think the distinct possibility of budget woes is actually an excellent argument for not approving a raise" It is ludicrous to me that you all would even consider keeping this on the table. It is an unethical misdirection of resources in an already dire economy.

Toddville, Iowa 52341

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent:
To:

Subject:

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 6:56 AM Board Internet Address Compensation

It is disappointing that you would choose to vote yourself an increase in compensation that is any higher than that the average county employee will receive. It shows the people of Linn County how little you think about the state of affairs for our community. It demonstrates a total lack of character for each of you; exactly whose interest are you looking out for? Each of you can still choose to take the appropriate action and adopt a more fiscally sound compensation package and show the people for whom you work that you are with us and not above us. It's not too late to do the right thing.

Sent from my iPad

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent: To: Subject:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 6:49 PM Rogers, Ben Re: Taxes & Raises

Sent from my iPad On Feb 11,2013, at 7:08 PM, "Rogers, Ben" <Ben.Rogers@linncounty.org>wrote:

Your taxes will not go up one penny if these raises are passed. In fact, the county levy rate (tax) has remained static for 3 years in a row with no increase. Your share of county taxes has actually lower today than in 2009. The raise is to take us back to full time pay that we have voluntarily imposed on ourselves since 2009. Ben Ben Rogers Linn County Supervisor (c) 319-573-8295 (e) ben.rogers@linncounty.org Twitter: @bemTogers On Feb 11,2013, at 18:52, >wrote:

,
'Thanks for your response Ben but I am not buying it. When you all give yourself that kind of a raise yes I will be paying more. The only way the public can fight back is at election time. Hopefully GREED will not take you over. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message:
From: Date: Febmary 11,2013,10:54:44 AM CST To: "ron.corbett@cedar-rapids.org" <ron.corbett@cedarrapids.org> Subject: Taxes & Raises

I have been very unhappy with the amount my taxes have increased over the last three years and spoke to councilman Chuck Swore last summer. Then I read last week that we will see another increase over four percent again. Now I read where the supervisors
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are asking for a 25 percent increase in wages! Are you people NUTS? This has to stop! This city is sending the middle class to the poor house! I retired one year ago and if this city keeps raises taxes you are going to put such a burden on your tax payers we will have to leave! You all need a reality check!!

Sent from my iPad

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent: To: Subject:

Monday, February 11, 2013 7:22 PM Rogers, Ben Re: Increase in salary

Ben, I just tried it again. On the right side of the page is Mailing address, underneath it is Contact by Email. I did that for the umpteenth time just a moment ago and got a screen that stated "about blank" It was not ludicrous, it was not unwarranted and it was not ignorant. I clicked on each supervisor's name and nothing happened. Your response has not enamored me to your desire for increased salary. Perhaps you are already overpaid. I'll send this to Bob Bruce. Let him referee my decision.

-----Original Message----From: Rogers, Ben <Ben.Rogers@linncounty.org> To: Cc: Barron, Lu <Lu.Barron@linncounty.org>; Langston, Linda <Linda.Langston@linncounty.org>; Oleson, Brent <Brent.Oleson@linncounty.org>; Harris, John <John.Harris@linncounty.org> Sent Mon, Feb 11,20137:05 pm Subject Re: Increase in salary

I just went to our website and on the home page is a button called "Meet the Supervisors". All of our email addresses are listed there; both individually and as a group. I tested it and it worked. To suggest that we disabled the website to avoid criticism is ludicrous and completely unwarranted. Ben

Ben Rogers Linn County Supervisor (c) 319-573-8295 (e) ben.rogers@linncounty.org Twitter: @benrrogers On Feb 11, 2013, at 19:01, wrote:

I googled "Linn County Supervisors" tonight. My intent was to tell you that I am opposed to your supposed self increse in salary. What I found was that I couldn't contact any of you from the web site. It didn't work. It was disabled, in my opinion. And if that is factual, it is totally unacceptable. Makes me think that you are trying to pull a fast one on us taxpayers. I will never forget this.

Robins IA 52328
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Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent: To: Subject:

Monday, February 11, 2013 3:14 PM Barron, Lu; Langston, Linda; Rogers, Ben; Oleson, Brent; Harris, John Supervisor Salary increase proposal

Hello, I just wanted to send you a note that I agree with Mr. Todd Donnan, The Gazette, in that the case has not been made to increase your salaries so substantially. I cannot imagine going to my supervisor and asking for a $25,000 raise without making the case on how this.adds value to our organization and that it's worth the extra expense (and how it will play out in the long run). Even then it probably wouldn't be politically astute to do so during tough economic times. Also, I don't understand how working for $74,000/year will not attract new candidates for this position. Seriously? Your request for such a HUGE increase is disappointing. And where does this money come from?

Cedar Rapids, IA

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent:
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Subject:

Monday, February 11, 2013 1:03 PM Rogers, Ben RE: Thank you

Thank You Ben,

From: Rogers, Ben

Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 12:42 PM

To:

Subject: Thank you

I appreciate your willingness to come and speak up and out at our meeting today. Your opinion and views are very important to us and I am glad that you shared them. Ben

Ben Rogers
Linn County Board of Supervisors District 3 2500 Edgewood Road SW Cedar Rapids IA 52404 319-892-5106: Office 319-573-8295: Cell ben.rogers@linncounty.org www.linncounty.org www.twitter.com/benrrogers

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent:
To:

Subject:

Monday, February 11, 2013 12:22 PM Board Internet Address pay raise

Supervisors of Linn county, I am not happy with you increasing your pay. Maybe people aren't saying anything because it has not made headlines for people to know about. On the other had those that do know maybe feel they will just not vote for you next time around.

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent:
To:

Subject:

Monday, February 11, 2013 9:17 AM Board Internet Address Pay raises

It appears the vote is being taken as quickly as possible to keep the taxpayers out of the discussion. This most certainly will be an issue for the next election.

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent:
To:

Subject:

Sunday, February 10, 2013 8:34 PM Board Internet Address Pay Raise

To the Board: I have just learned about your intentions to grant yourselves 25% pay raises. What has happened to

transparency with your electorate? It certainly appears that your hurry to push this thru will only benefit you, not the citizens of this county, many of whom are struggling financially!

Sent from my iPhone

Hoy. Amanda
From:

Sent:
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Subject:

Sunday, February 10, 2013 7:55 PM Harris, John; Barron, Lu; Langston, Linda; Rogers, Ben; Oleson, Brent; Board Internet Address RE:

Good evening Board Members, Thank you to each of you for your candid response--much appreciated! However, I believe you missed my point. The dog and pony show you created during the public forum directly correlated to the withdrawal of the application. That is why I consider your behavior bullying. For every action there's an equal and opposite reaction. And the equal and opposite reaction from the public after you give yourselves an effective 20% raise should be quite fun to watch this week. Each of you certainly has my admiration on how to make public service self-serving. Sincerely,

Marion, IA 52302

From: John.Harris@linncountv.org To: Lu.Barron@linncountv.org: Unda.Langston@linncounty.org; Ben.Rogers@linncounty.org; Brent.Oleson@linncounty.org; BDNETDL@linncounty.org Subject: RE: Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2013 21:34:20 +0000 Good afternoon,

I agree with Supervisor Rogers, in that Mr. Ditch was not bullied by the Board. I am the District 5 representative on the Board, and I voted to have the DNR take a closer look at Mr. Ditch's application, because I feel that I have an obligation to represent the neighbors, as well as the City of Center Point in their objection to Mr. Ditch's CAFO plan. I suppose that you could say I caved to public opinion, but that's who I work for-the public. fully expected the DNR to approve Mr. Ditch's CAFO plan, until he withdrew it. I do not believe he withdrew his application because of anything the Board did, or how they did it.
Thank you for your email. Sincerely, John Harris

From:

Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 9:25 AM

To: Barron, Lu; Langston, Linda; Rogers, Ben; Oleson, Brent; Harris, John; Board Internet Address

Subject:
Good morning County Board of Supervisors, Late last year I wrote to each of you expressing my disappointment in your actions surrounding a proposed hog operation in rural Center Point. I thank Mr. Rogers for being the only one of you to respond to my request for a more engaged and in-depth conversation, although his explanation defied logic. I found it quite amusing this morning when reading an article in The Gazette that directly correlates with this same subject. Your peers in Black Hawk County found themselves in the same position as you did in late October; however, they did not cave to public opinion nor bully the permit applicant. They followed the rule of law that allows local input but no local control on such matters. Each of you (sans Mr. Oleson) should again be ashamed of your actions. I certainly hope that other Linn County constituents are cognizant of your long-manipulated decisions and actions and organize together in coming election cycles to remove you from County employment. Sincerely,

Marion, IA 52302

Hoy, Amanda
From:

Sent: To: Subject:

Sunday, February 10, 2013 7:34 PM Board Internet Address Your Raise

We do care about your raise and we do not like it. Do not give yourselves a raise. Sincerely,

Sent from my iPad

Hoy, Amanda
From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Importance:

Sunday, February 10, 2013 6:09 PM Harris, John; Rogers, Ben; Langston, Linda; Barron, Lu; Oleson, Brent todd.dorman@gazcomm.com [Is likely SPAM] regarding supervisor salaries Low

John, Linda, Ben, Brent, Lu, I've been following the supervisor salary issue with some interest as we're doing some comparative salary studying at the It's never an easy task. However, I am learning from HR folks that it's not a good idea to peg one salary level on another. In other words linking the supervisor's salary (or comparing it) with other county staff isn't too wise. They are different jobs needing different skills and with different expectations. I'd like the county to never use linkages to set compensation for any county employee but base compensation on its value in the marketplace and individual performance. I recently returned from a consulting gig for the American Association of Museums in Los Alamos, NM and had an opportunity to see a different form of county government. Actually the county government isn't so different. What is different is the lack of municipal governments. There are distinct towns but there is now town government. Just the county. The county supervisors set policy in and outside of the towns. The sheriff's dept handles traffic, law enforcement, etc. The park dept handles parks inside and outside towns. I have long felt that Iowa has way too much government. There is tremendous duplication of services between city and county. For example, do we really need city and county park bureaucracies? Lawenforcement? Accounting? This duplication is expensive. At any rate I'd wouldn't set supervisor salaries based on any other county employee. And, my impression is that county employees are generally compensated generously relative to the market. .

Hoy, Amanda
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Sunday, February 10, 2013 5:17 PM Board Internet Address BOS pay

I sure do agree with everything Mr. Todd Dormann has had to say in his articles about supervisor pay and how that was and is being handled by the supervisors. Sounds totally self serving - no interest in the welfare of the taxpayer.

Hoy, Amanda
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Sunday, February 10, 2013 1:48 PM Board Internet Address Pay Raise

I don't understand how you the Board can vote a 25% wage increase and not explain what is to be changed or improved. The article in the Gazette today states that "They insist that the current pay level will deter the 'best and brightest' candidates from running for the board in the future". What does that say about you? Are you not the "best and brightest"? First the Mayor caves into the unions and now you are voting a pay raise to yourself that you don't deserve and can't justify. If this goes through I will never vote for anyone who is now in office now. I am in district 5. I have never really been politically active, but if you vote this through, I will become so and I will do all possible to prevent you from being re-elected. I am sick of paying the bills for government employees and public unions with nothing to show for it as evidenced by your concession that "no tangible benefit" will result from this pay raise.

Cedar Rapids

Article Continued Below

See DORMAN on Page A12

Dorman/ Salary increase benefits only supervisors

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FROM PAGE 9A

that this pay raise would provide to their constituents. 'Honestly, likely not at this time,' Langston said, before returning to the argument that raising pay would encourage good people to run for office in the future.

Hoy, Amanda
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Sunday, February 10, 2013 11:37 AM Board Internet Address IMPENDING PAY RAISE

Attention, Board of Supervisors: I am writing to all of you although Supervisor Harris represents my district. I am very much opposed to the huge pay increase you are planning to lavish on yourselves. It truly boggles my mind to see such astounding greed on the part of publicly elected employees. . If the coffers are overflowing with cash, I'm certain you could put it to a use that would benefit everyone in the county and not just line the pockets of the five of you. People in Linn County are suffering in this bad economy. You five are already receiving extremely generous salaries and you need to set an example of fiscal responsibility by foregoing this illadvised raise. If the raise goes ahead, be assured, Supervisor Harris, that you will not have my vote should you chose to run again. I voted for you last time. I ask you ALL to reconsider.

Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Hoy, Amanda
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Sunday, February 10, 2013 11:25 AM Board Internet Address Supervisor Pay Raise

Dear Supervisors: I am addressing this email to the entire Board of Supervisors. It is my understanding that one of the reasons you are proceeding with a pay raise is because you have received almost no public comment on this issue. Please treat this as a public comment. I am opposed to a pay raise. You were all elected as part time supervisors with a salary that is more that adequate for your part time status. You were all aware at the time of the election that you were running as and being elected as part time supervisors. You also knew or should have known the salary that you would be receiving when you were elected. You had a duty to determine the job's parameters before you ran and decide whether you could accept the job and salary as it was. To decide now that you need an $18k plus raise is a betrayal of the public's trust. I would urge you all to rethink this position and vote this ill-advised proposal down. Sincerely,