Why do people run for politics? Voters would like to believe it’s because they want to improve society in some way — in it for the public good.
We all want to believe that narrative, but it’s naïve to believe all politicians are in politics for public service. Certainly, some are, and they usually make the best public representatives because they put the public’s interests ahead of themselves.
Remuneration for public service is a dicey topic, especially when those who hold office vote to increase their own pay.
Some of our elected city officials said in a recent Gazette story the $52,836 wage they receive for their part-time roles isn't enough for the workload involved. The mayor’s position is a full-time one, and along with it comes a $135,633 annual salary. The mayor also receives an honorarium of about $15,000 as a member of the AUMA board.
All councillors receive a decent benefits plan, a $70-per-month home office Internet allowance, and a $55-per-month cellphone allowance. Add per diems into the mix, and things start to look pretty good for local politicians.
There is an ago-old argument that the pay needs to be higher to attract better candidates. It’s not difficult, however, to draw the opposite conclusion: the higher the pay, the more attractive the position becomes to those who are not suited for public office.
Councillors said their work weeks can range from 16 hours during the summer, up to 60 hours in busy times, with an average 40-hour week, while a recent compensation committee report indicated councillors put in between 20 or 30 hours per week, with some as many as 40.
For some, this is extra time on top of full-time professions in other fields.
But it's tough to get a sense for whether the workload is crushing in a role where much of the involvement is optional.
Residents who sit on committees don't get paid for their time, but come to these committees out of personal interest or passion for the issues. They come to these committees out of a sense of civic duty.
Our elected officials should be drawn to their positions for the same reason — public service.
Increasing salaries or making the job full time is not necessary to attract better councillors. Quite the contrary.
St. Albert is filled with residents who willingly already give much of their time, effort, knowledge, and talent for free, to causes and efforts they care about.
These are the passionate stewards whose time, expertise, and energy will add immeasurable value on council in making decisions on behalf of taxpayers.
Yes, the workload is heavy. Yes, the expectations are high.
Sadly, there will always be a select few who slip into municipal politics uninformed and unwilling to do the work. But those who are willing, do it to affect meaningful change, regardless of remuneration.
Those are the people who belong on city council — the ones who aren't counting the hours, but who roll up their sleeves because they see the importance of leadership and good governance, and want to be a part of that.
A position on council is a civic duty. It happens to come with a paycheque, but that's not the point. It means putting public interests first.
Perhaps what council needs is well-defined boundaries around a realistic workload, and more time spent educating council hopefuls on the demands they will face before they throw their hats in the ring.
Editorials are the consensus view of the St. Albert Gazette's editorial board.
