Board Salaries Should be Frozen

Dear Editor,

Since my announcement in May that I was running for Walla Walla County Commissioner District 2, I have called for continuing the freeze on Commissioner’s salaries. The salary even at the current level is well over the median income for working families in the county. Commissioners do not deserve an increase until the people of the county are doing better.

We have county employees who provide valuable services to the public cut back with mandatory furlough days. The Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Offices share only 24 hours a week of receptionist time. Deputies serve mandatory overtime and respond to dangerous calls with backup unavailable. Other Department employees manage nearly overwhelming workloads. In this context, an increase for commissioners is unconscionable to me.

In my first few days as commissioner, I will introduce a resolution to either continue or revert to the freeze for 4 years, depending on what the commissioners have done by then. If I am overridden and the salaries increase, I will donate the increase to worthy youth programs.

I believe in leading by example. I hope this small action will be seen as evidence that I am committed to the notion that we are all in this together.

Randal Son

Walla Walla