His supporters keep telling us that Hizzoner’s above petty politics. Maybe, but he’s not above giving out jobs to his campaign staff and raises to his aides! From the Times:
Even as he warns that the city may have to lay off thousands of workers, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has found city jobs for 15 members of his re-election campaign, many of whom are earning six-figure salaries, records and interviews show.
The hirings suggest that while Mr. Bloomberg is calling for a leaner government that reflects the economic downturn, he is finding money in the budget for those who engineered his unexpectedly close re-election.
In addition, seven city employees who left their jobs to work on the campaign have returned, in many cases at higher salaries. Together, the appointments cost taxpayers more than $2 million in government wages.
A) Wow, that’s pretty harsh for the Times. Check out the full article – there’s more.
B) But, but, I thought we were facing a financial crisis so dire that:
- The city may need to lay off 18,000 workers due to potential cuts in state aid, and
- Circumstances demanded that Bloomberg do an about-face on term limits because no other man, not even “maybe the best comptroller the city has ever had” could steer the city through such a fiscal crisis.
I hope Gawker posts a reaction. While I’m not capable of the snark that’s called for here…they are!
