Memo to Melanie Kenoyer: State employees should get a pay CUT... not a pay raise.

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I rarely respond to LTE's in the Columbian. This nonsense from Clark County Sheriff's Sergeant Melanie Kenoyer, however, takes the cake.

Rep. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, proposes to deny custodians who earn $25,000 a year and other state employees a 5 percent contractual raise in 2010. (Dec. 16 story, “Many state workers in line for raises.”)

It's, uh, SENATOR, Sergeant. Not "Rep."

That said, ALL government employees, INCLUDING YOU, should not only NOT get pay raises... you all should take pay CUTS.

I have no problem with people taking shots at Zarelli. I've taken a few, and will continue to take some here on this very blog. But his issues with his unemployment have nothing to do with taking the RIGHT position on government employee pay raises.

And government employees, INCLUDING democrat police officers/deputies, need to understand that you serve US; not the other way around.

We are in the midst of a horrific recession. Massive unemployment and cutbacks are the order of the day... small business is getting hammered... and all people like Kenoyer can do is whine about not getting a horrific 5% pay INCREASE?

Clearly, Kenoyer is as clueless about the economy and the role of government workers as she is about Zarelli's office.

Tell you what, Kenoyer. You don't think you're getting paid enough? ANY government employee think they're not getting paid enough?

Then quit.

We'll be well rid of your bizarre positions, which are SUPPOSED to be in service to US, and any one of the hundreds of people applying to fill your positions would be thrilled to get your job not only at your current level of pay, but at ANY level of pay.

"Pay raise?" Stop sniveling like a little punk and thank God you even HAVE a job... that pays ANYTHING.

Because millions in this country can't say they do.
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Vancouver Firefighters astound: They waive pay raises to help budget.

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Firefighters are amazing people. These men and woman actually charge INTO burning structures that I want to get the hell out of. Every call may put their life at risk. Every call.

I've had some harsh things to say about unions... but based on their moronic stupidity lately... the sniveling of the UAW... the despicable law suits filed by state employee unions... who can blame me?

Just when I thought all hope was lost... along comes the Vancouver Fire Department, Local 452.

The story speaks for itself. It shows the kind of common sense, understanding and empathy that we would like to think that all government unions should show during these trying financial times.

Regardless of union issues, Firefighters have always had my respect and admiration. But today, those traits have deepened and widened for me and several thousand others.

Thank you for all you do.

And thank you for showing the courage of your convictions. I won't forget it.

Comments 10 Recommend 2
Vancouver firefighters waive pay raises to help city budget
04:20 PM PST on Tuesday, December 30, 2008
By KGW Staff

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- As the economy continues to flounder Vancouver firefighters made a surprising decision Tuesday to forego salary increases.

The firefighter’s union overwhelmingly agreed to waive a 4 percent pay raise scheduled to take effect in 2009.

The vote passed by 91 percent.

Vancouver's mayor thanked firefighters, saying that on top of saving lives, they were saving city government some $700,000.

“I don't know of any time in the history of the city that any union or guild has done this,” Mayor Royce Pollard said. “It is truly a recognition of the needs of the community and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Vancouver Firefighters Union.”

Pollard said the money will be used to make sure public safety is maintained at the same level for 2009.