3 ms·

I wish local elections were non-partisan for this reason. I know a lot of folks in far-left cities that think that public sector union benefits are much too ge

I wish local elections were non-partisan for this reason. I know a lot of folks in far-left cities that think that public sector union benefits are much too generous -- and wish the local government would take crime more seriously -- and wonder if additional tax increases are really in order. And yet when it's time to vote they choose the candidates on the extreme left... as a rebuke to Trump or something..? even though he has nothing to do with city politics.

lotsofpulp 8y ago
Left, right, democrat, republican, it doesn't matter. In local elections, as a candidate, if you're not supporting the police, firefighters, and judges, you're not getting anywhere. Those elections are decided by a couple thousand votes, and every single government employee is going to come in and vote for the candidate that is giving more pay and benefits. Americans also have a weird patriotism fetish anytime police/firefighter issues come up, as benefits do get cut for all other government workers and teachers, police and firefighters are never touched. Obviously, it's important for the rich to have their security guards on their side. I would love to find a place to live where the government payroll is all cash, no benefits. Pay whatever you have to, six figures and whatnot, it just has to be in cash, so that taxpayers can see and compare the costs accurately. Pensions and health benefits are nice, since those numbers can be fudged. It gives mayors and city council members plausible deniability and lets them claim they aren't raising taxes or keeping them low, and shove the costs 20 years into the future. Most people aren't going to want to hear about the conflicts of interest on the board of trustees for pension funds or the actuarial consultant being hired by the same people benefiting from the pensions.

lotsofpulp 8y ago

Left, right, democrat, republican, it doesn't matter. In local elections, as a candidate, if you're not supporting the police, firefighters, and judges, you're not getting anywhere. Those elections are decided by a couple thousand votes, and every single government employee is going to come in and vote for the candidate that is giving more pay and benefits. Americans also have a weird patriotism fetish anytime police/firefighter issues come up, as benefits do get cut for all other government workers and teachers, police and firefighters are never touched. Obviously, it's important for the rich to have their security guards on their side. I would love to find a place to live where the government payroll is all cash, no benefits. Pay whatever you have to, six figures and whatnot, it just has to be in cash, so that taxpayers can see and compare the costs accurately. Pensions and health benefits are nice, since those numbers can be fudged. It gives mayors and city council members plausible deniability and lets them claim they aren't raising taxes or keeping them low, and shove the costs 20 years into the future. Most people aren't going to want to hear about the conflicts of interest on the board of trustees for pension funds or the actuarial consultant being hired by the same people benefiting from the pensions.