How much is that doggie in the window?

"These people are getting raises in excess of what anyone gets in the private industry. It's a disgrace." That's what Schmit says about the raises Suozzi gave to top Nassau Officials in the December 30, 2003 Newsday. When looked at in a vacuum the numbers are high but when compared to Suffolk and Westchester, most Nassau officials including Suozzi makes LESS than their counterparts. Suozzi makes $109,394 (remember that number for later) while Gaffney (and now Levy) makes $162,082 and Spano in Westchester makes $145,535.
The raises tried to bring salaries in-line with comparable jobs in other counties. In years past those jobs didn't pay much in Nassau because when you are a republican no-show job appointee a buck is a buck no matter how much it is.
Now how much does a part-time republican spokesperson get as a raise? Well Ed Ward a former (read: defeated) republican legislator got a 14.3% raise last year. Isn't that a "disgrace?"
WAIT! It gets better. Remember early in this post we said to remember the amount Suozzi makes? Well now it's time to recall that number - $109,394. Ed Ward the PART-TIME spokesperson for the republicans makes $80,000 a year. Let's repeat that: $80,000 a year. That is just yunder $30,000 less than the County Executive.
One more time - a PART-TIME republican spokesperson makes only $30,000 less than the County Executive. Ed Ward also makes $17,000 MORE than the Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs.
How difficult is Ed Wards job? Let's take a look at a few press releases:
From Peter Schmitt here and Norma Gonslaves here.
Notice that Peter and Norma both say the same EXACT things "By following a few simple rules you can protect your family from harmful Carbon Monoxide. Regularly test your Carbon Monoxide detectors along with your smoke detectors to ensure your safety," added Legislator Gonsalves." and "By following a few simple rules you can protect your family from harmful Carbon Monoxide. Regularly test your Carbon Monoxide detectors along with your smoke detectors to ensure your safety," added Legislator Schmitt."
Isn't it amazing?
How about this from Francis Becker here and Peter Schmitt here.
Both legislators again say the SAME EXACT THING! "This legislation is the brainchild of Leg. Gonsalves and is only possible through her hard work and dedication to preserving our environment. This bill will make Nassau County a more appealing place for years to come,"
And Ed Ward is getting $80,000 a year for this?? As a legislator Ward made $39,000 a year. He doubled his salary by LOSING his re-election. Someone get us and ibuprofin, we've got a headache.

Being a republican politician in nassau county means never having to say you're unemployed.