$70,000 sounds fine
Who would have thought a Republican would be touting the benefits of raising salaries at the Blaine House?
While it may sound hard to believe, as it is coming from a conservative, Rep. Gary Moore of Standish is proposing an increase in the governor’s salary so future governors earn more than any other government employee. Moore is concerned that the governor’s clout and authority could be compromised since his “employees” earn more than he. (Keep in mind, Moore’s bill would not affect Gov. John Baldacci’s $70,000 salary. If passed, it would apply to the next sitting governor.)
Moore is right to believe that some people will equivocate the governor’s power with how much he or she earns in salary. Sad to say, but it’s human nature to respect someone who earns a ton of money and not to respect someone who earns minimum wage. We Americans are bred to feel this way. It’s probably what motivates many to work 70 hours a week. But, while these thoughts are ingrained, another thought is ingrained as well: Power is a nice thing to have. But, the governor’s power is not based on the salary he earns. It’s based on his abilities to hire, fire, veto legislation, influence public opinion and set policy.
While it is understandable Moore would like to see the governor’s salary increase, Mainers shouldn’t feel we have to raise the governor’s salary ten percent above all his department heads just so his clout and respect levels rise. Government, especially for elected representatives, doesn’t work that way. Respect for the governor comes from his power, not his salary.
Practically speaking, by raising the governor’s salary above other department heads, Moore’s bill probably won’t entice anyone to run for governor. The salary increase will not lure qualified candidates. People run for governor for a chance to put forth their agenda. No one runs thinking they’re going to get rich. And, anyway, we certainly don’t want folks like that as our leaders.
Moore also doesn’t want to discourage qualified candidates who can’t afford the salary decrease $70,000 would represent. While this makes sense, we have to remember that the governor gets free rent at the Blaine House, not to mention all the other perks that go with the job. (Free trip to Cuba, as one good example!)
Moore is mainly proposing the salary increase because he wants the governor to earn more than anyone else in government. He strongly believes in the principle that a governor should earn more than any of his “employees,” namely department heads such as the education commissioner or the director of health and human services.
But, while Moore makes a strong point, his bill partly misses the point as well. Sometimes in government, the top man does not make the most money. Take, for example, the mayoral form of government. In Westbrook, our closest example of this form of governing, the mayor earns a measely $7,000. The superintendent of schools earns $109,000, and the administrative assistant (similar to a town manager) makes about $85,500.
Both well-paid positions manage a staff of hundreds, require extensive knowledge and good leadership skills. They have massive budgets and many conflicts to deal with. The mayor, by contrast, has little in the way of management stresses and is primarily a policy leader and figurehead for public relations. A good mayor runs because he wants to influence policy and “represent” the city. He doesn’t run for the money. It’s superfluous to him. Same with the governor.
Sometimes, power and salary don’t go together. While this may blow some capitalists’ minds, salary does not always equal one’s worth at his or her job. So, it’s not the end of the world if our governor doesn’t make more than his department heads. The governor knows he’s got the power. And a leader who wants to put forth his agenda will be drawn to office because of that potential for power, not the salary.
And make no mistake, department heads know the governor has the power. Even though they may earn more than he, each one knows they do his bidding and are at his command. And that knowledge is worth gold to any governor of Maine, or at least as much as Moore’s proposed salary increase.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
