A new pay and benefits study of city employees was recently released (http://phoenix.gov/employment/2011totalcompstudy.html). It indicates that with benefits, city employees make slightly more than the same position in the private sector. Well, not everybody was satisfied with this.
Today I received a call from a from a very flabbergasted constituent. I pick up the phone and he immediately starts babbling nonsense that went on for about 20 minutes. What is really interesting is that I provided answers to most of what he asked, but he just dismissed them, as if he was trying to stump me with these questions. First, he asked where all these jobs are that were in the study, indicating that he's applied for positions many times but has never been hired. So I told him all available city positions are available on Phoenix.gov. He didn't respond to that, but when on to his next idea. He said that firefighters make 1/2 million dollar pensions and all they do is wash their trucks and exercise. I'm serious. Apparently he doesn't realize that most firefighters are also EMT's. Next, he told me that all city employees should be laid off for a year and then try to get a job again. This is the kind of calls I deal with. I told him that if he has ideas he should present them at formal council meetings. He said what is the point, it won't be do any good. Of course it won't do any good, it is one of the most ridiculous ideas I've ever heard. Lastly, he pretty much demanded why the pay study was not published. I told him to go to Phoenix.gov and the whole 333 page report is available. As usual, he chose to ignore my answer. So, three questions, three answers, and he chose not to acknowledge any of them. Anyway, I need to talk to the Fire Chief and tell them to get to work.
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ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me the great degree to which constituents are not only misinformed, but also are unwilling to listen to reason. I had many conversations like the one you described when I was a congressional intern. When I heard about the results of the Phoenix study I was pleased-- it is great that the city is a competitive employer!
ReplyDeleteI am sick of residence not only have wrong information, but speading this information to others. The person that you spoke with more than likely received incorrect information from some where or someone. The news papers don't seem to help much either. Its funny that people say that Phoenix is a competitive employer... City of Phoenix hasn't increased their pay ranges, but the rest of the economy has decreased there at this point, due to the recession. So basically City of Phoenix employee's have been under paid for years, but sacrafic for a stable working enviornment (benifits are good also). No one complain when Phoenix couldn't hire engineers because the pay scales were to low, but now everyone is turning their back on the City employees because the job market has reduced. I wonder what will happen when the economy rebounds and private sector jobs increase pay ranges (don't forget about the bonuses).
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you were able to provide him with answers and information. I am sure you realize this is not really what he wanted. There isn't anything you can do past that, but at least he was informed. Unfortunately, this is how many people resolve their frustrations with government.
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