I cannot believe the continued arrogance of many of those legislators we are paying to work for us in Harrisburg ( "Some won't accept raises," July 24 and TribLIVE.com).
First, Rep. Frank LaGrotta, D-Ellwood City, says he works "75 to 80 hours" a week. Frank, do you realize that means starting at 8 a.m. and going straight to about 7 p.m. without time for lunch and no time taken for dinner, seven days a week -- Monday through and including Sunday?
I simply don't believe that work schedule -- 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. And if he's including the time to and from Harrisburg (in a state-paid vehicle), that's not appropriate, as lots of people travel outside the normal work day to and from work.
How about House Minority Leader H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, citing the need for a "family-sustaining level" of compensation as his reasoning for the pay raise⢠Hold on there, Bill. Add in 100-percent-paid-for medical insurance, a 100-percent-paid-for prescription plan, a great defined-benefit pension plan, a free vehicle and a $128 per diem when the House is in session.
Then there is Sen. Gerald LaValle, D-Rochester, who also voted for the pay raise and who now sounds tired of having to take the numerous phone calls from constituents. "I have no further comment now or in the future regarding the pay raise," he said. To those people in Gerry's district, he obviously does not care what you think about this.
Kudos to the Trib for not letting this issue fade away.
J. Victor Conrad
Cranberry
