from Santa Cruz Sentinel, Opinion page, April 8, 2009 [bold added by Cameron Jackson]
“I am the CEO of a software and service firm headquartered in Santa Cruz County. Although profitable, we froze salaries for all employees in 2008 pending a better economy. I took a pay cut. These prudent cuts helped us avoid making a single layoff. So it was with absolute disgust I heard about the pay raises of Santa Cruz executives. Their actions represent everything wrong with our nation and showcase leadership at its worst. In the midst of an historic recession when the county is losing money and cutting budgets, jobs and teachers, these bureaucrats have the audacity to raise their pay. Their excuse? To retain top talent. Hogwash. If they had any talent, the country would not be in its current shape. Where is the accountability? Shame on all of you who took part in this grotesque display of leadership.”
Mark Williams, Aptos
