cash by TheTruthAbout…
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, or possibly in a mansion, you’ve probably heard of the economic downturn we’re in the middle of. No? Apparently our city officials are living in your dream world too.
According to a recent article by the Washington Examiner, $15 million in bonuses have been handed out to city officials since Mayor Fenty took office in January of 2007. Granted, many of these bonuses were written into contracts in the good old days when our economy was believed to be strong, but bonus money keeps flowing despite the recession.
Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee was given an astounding $41,250, only two months after taking office. It goes to show you that firing teachers is a very rewarding gig. According to the article, Rhee’s “top staff” accounted for nearly half of the $15 million given out, while our city schools have improved only marginally in their test scores. As the saying goes, you can’t polish a…school.
According to Attorney General Peter Nickels, “We’re no longer entering into those contracts.” Yet despite the city council’s ban on such practices on October 1, 2009, more than $565,000 in bonuses have been paid out. Nice ban.
Am I surprised by any of this? I live in DC. When it comes to our city officials, nothing surprises me anymore.
