As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cudahy Mayor Ryan McCue stands to get a raise of 3% for 2010 if Cudahy aldermen approve a salary ordinance later today. Under the new ordinance, McCue, who currently earns just over $62,000 per year (in addition to an extra $200 per month for “expenses’), stands to get a raise equal to the average wage increase given to the City of Cudahy’s three major employee unions.
It’s worth noting Cudahy’s aldermen will not be getting a raise for 2010, and I’m not really sure why Ryan McCue needs a 3% raise at a time when local governments across Wisconsin – including Cudahy – are facing some difficult budgetary decisions as a result of the state’s economic difficulties.
If Ryan McCue wanted to set a good example as the leader of Cudahy’s city government, he’d return his 3% raise (if he does in fact get one) until such time as the economy improves and Cudahy isn’t facing tough budget choices.
The raise tied to union contracts is not uncommon, and was used by a recent area school superintendent to garner a hefty raise while a district struggled.
While simpathy for union workers wages is stipulated, it is certainly a conflict of interest for a mayor or superintendent to have his or her compensation tied to whatever raise the union gets.
In that case, where is the incentive to be a prudent negotiator?