We were extremely dismayed to see Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke receiving a $20,000 cash windfall (taxpayer money) when her term ends.
Apparently, a “management benefit program” was done in back room meetings unknown to taxpayers some time ago.
They say it is because the mayor is exempt from getting overtime pay. Does the mayor ever work overtime? Does she work less than 40 hours a week sometimes? How do we know? Being single, she should be living well on $102,000 a year, plus medical, dental and vision paid for by our money.
Recently, the mayor proposed raising vehicle license fee tabs to cover fixing roads. That boondoggle, the ShoWare Center, is losing money every month.
Something is really wrong here. She should not accept that $20,000. Why couldn’t that money be used to fix potholes on Southeast 208th Street, part of Highway 167, or another road?
Mayors and management have more than enough taxpayer benefits. I say abolish this “program” immediately.
Then we are told Mayor Cooke’s salary is less than comparable nearby cities. What? Maybe those cities should reduce their mayor’s salaries to be in line with Kent.
We are sick and tired of these elected politicians serving their interests first, when things in our city need fixing.
We used to like Mayor Cooke in the past, but we are now seeing her true colors. She intends to take care of herself first before the needs of Kent citizens.
If her salary – and those of other Kent city managers – and benefits were cut back, and the management benefits program were abolished, we could still attract qualified mayoral candidates.
Put the money to useful city needs, and not in the politicians’ large pockets.
– Richard Schurk
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