On the issue of pay raises for elected officials...

I don't normally cross post content from my local blog to this blog, but something that Jill provided in the comments adds a Federal aspect. So the basic jist of that post is being put here as well.

In my fantasty world of things I'd like to see happen that I know never will, would be raises for elected officials being something that the voters determined rather than the present way of determining, especially raises for the Ohio General Assembly and Congress.

As I read the Toledo Blade article on this, I couldn't help wondering, how many of you received a raise that was at least 1.7% or expect to receive one in 2007?

The Blade article points out the aspect of some unions in this area receiving a 3% increase...

We also have non-unionized workers, in 2005 only 22% of the Toledo area workforce was union. Within my own family circle, only Miguel received a raise in 2006 and it was less than the cost of living. My ex-husband was out of work for a good portion of the year because the company he worked at for over 20 years closed. My 17 year old and 19 year old daughters will receive a raise from the minimum wage increase since they both work in the food services industry. My 21 year old will actually have a pay cut since her internship is over and the only replacement job she could find that would work with her class schedule pays slightly above the new minimum wage. Is my family some kind of a statistical fluke?

Then, the additional link that Jill provided in the comments that was about Justice Roberts seeking a raise for Federal Judges. Justice Roberts feels this issue:

“has now reached the level of a constitutional crisis that threatens to undermine the strength and independence of the federal judiciary.”