Should Congress, Federal Workers, VP Get Pay Raises?

Editor's note: United Republican Club of Fort Lee vice president Keith Jensen submitted the following Op-Ed to Patch for publication:

To be a leader and accept a raise when you know it is in error, was given as political patronage, or when the salary and benefits are simply not justified relative to the reality of our economy does not demonstrate greatness; especially as a public official.

It can be done. Freeholders Hermansen and Driscoll took a 25 percent pay cut for their positions when they took office, and I ask for bi-partisan comments where others have done so alike.

When I was in the Army, there was an administrative error where I was being promoted to 1LT six months ahead of schedule because at the time it was mandatory to remain in rank for two years. I had brought that up to my S1 (Battalion admin officer). Consequently, my promotion was put back on track.

To our newly elected representatives, congratulations on your new victory. I hope my request falls on noble ears, and I ask that people speak out on the President's recent executive order, thus giving pay raises to the VP and many others, according to this Huffington Post article.

Even as Congressman Rothman leaves, he can notably make a statement in principal on this. With the others being re-elected, it would be great to hear them take a position too. Please let them know:

http://rothman.house.gov/

http://lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/routing.cfm

http://www.menendez.senate.gov/

http://pascrell.house.gov/contact/

https://garrett.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact