Goss: Cents and Sensibility

Earlier this month, Ann Kirkpatrick, an Arizona Democrat serving in Congress in Arizona proposed a pay cut for Congress.  It’s about time.  The only problem is, it is a 5% cut.  That is insulting.  Our Congress has an approval rating well below freezing right now and the magnanimous Kirkpatrick gets an attack of conscience and wants to surrender what amounts to roughly $8700 of a $174,000 base salary. Pardon me while I burst into flames.

Many feel our congressmen are overpaid and too wrapped up with lobbyists and special interest groups.  I know I do.  I don’t think a 5% cut goes anywhere near far enough.  I propose a 40% salary reduction in Congress. When taken into account there are 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 100 in the Senate, this would result in a savings of over $37 million dollars.  But let’s not stop there.  It isn’t enough to take money away.  I also propose that we build barracks or an apartment building or dormitory to house all 535 of them.

I have voiced this proposal many times and it frequently elicits laughter and probably rightfully so (the image of her majesty Pelosi living in a dorm is kind of funny).  But, there is a purpose behind it.  It isn’t a punishment for bad behavior; although that is certainly appropriate as well.  The purpose behind it is accountability.  It is to remove the appearance of impropriety.  It is to let constituents know that lobbyists and special interest groups are NOT providing lavish digs or special interest rates on mortgages or any of the perks those in positions of influence frequently receive.  And, hopefully, it will be incentive for elected servants to get out of Washington and back in their districts where they belong.  Technology these days affords the opportunity to cast votes from virtually anywhere in America.  It’s time for our government to work smarter and cheaper.  It’s time for these elected officials to remember who they answer to and who they work for.  I’ll give them a clue; it isn’t Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid or Barack Obama.

Rep. Kirkpatrick’s platitudes are worthless.  This Congress has abandoned us and feels more comfortable deciding what is best for us rather than listening to constituents.  I don’t view the issues we face today as complex at all.  They are either Constitutional or not.  They are either right or wrong, black or white.  We, the voters, are the ones who really wield the power and it’s time we start exercising it.  If we don’t, we will have no one but ourselves to blame in November.  It’s time for voters to start closely inspecting candidates and making decisions not based on soundbites from incumbents like Kirkpatrick seeking re-election, but on the integrity and common sense appeal and solutions of those who will back up their words with actions.  It really cannot get much worse than it is currently, can it?

Andy Goss is a Republican candidate for Congress in Arizona’s Eighth District