Dear President Sideris,
The Charles River Regional Chamber supports the Blue Ribbon Commission’s proposal to increase City Councilor and Council President compensation.
Public service is demanding, often thankless work. If we want to continue attracting talented, diverse, and committed civic leaders, especially those who may not be independently wealthy or retired, we must offer compensation that at least begins to reflect the time, energy, and responsibility these positions require.
Most importantly, improved compensation reflects the value of public service and strengthens our democracy by broadening the pool of individuals who can realistically serve.
The commission’s recommendation is the result of a thorough data-driven examination of peer communities, taking into account the city’s budget and core responsibilities. We believe the recommendations are fiscally responsible and appropriate.
We urge the Council to adopt the Commission’s recommendation, and thank you for considering this important step toward good governance.
Sincerely,
Greg Reibman
President & CEO, Charles River Chamber