Just greedier?

Dear Editor,

I read what is probably an edited version of an editorial that appeared in the Gazette regarding legislators' salaries. The proposal was to double the current salary of $12,000 to $24,000.

First, where is the money going to come from? Taxpayers. In a state already strapped to the limit to try to do things like educate children, we don't need to be throwing a bunch of money at people who don't need it.

I understand the sentiment that a person can't get by on $1,000 per month. But being a state legislator has NEVER BEEN, is not and WILL NEVER BE a full-time job. When the Legislature is not in session, the state senators can work, just like the rest of us.

I wouldn't worry too much about a lack of candidates for Sen. Baker's seat in the Legislature at this point. The filing deadline is 10 months away and by then, chances are pretty good there will be candidates.

Perhaps Sen. Jim Cudaback said it best when he was asked if salaries should be raised to attract more and better candidates to the Legislature. "Paying higher salaries will not assure better candidates," he responded. "It will simply assure GREEDIER candidates."

Herb Teter,

Cozad