July 18, 2010By Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times
Even a cursory look at events last week was enough to show the concept of "public service" being turned on its ear.
On Wednesday, The Times reported that Bell, California [population 36,664 in 2000], one of the poorest cities in the county, paid its city manager nearly $800,000 a year. Almost twice, that is, the annual salary of the president of the United States.
Other city officials received generous rewards as well: The Bell police chief, who manages 46 employees, makes 50% more than the Los Angeles police chief, who manages about 13,000. The city is already under investigation by the district attorney for paying its part-time City Council members about $100,000 a year.
Bell's city manager wasn't exactly apologetic. "If that's a number people choke on, maybe I'm in the wrong business," Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo said, referring to his $787,637 annual salary.
In the wrong business? At $800,000 per? He could make more in the private sector? Maybe robbing banks.
What is the matter with the citizens of this town?
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