SAN FERNANDO : Council to Let Voters Decide Pay Raise

Rather than approve cost-of-living salary increases for themselves, San Fernando City Council members decided in a 3-2 vote to let voters decide.

In a meeting two weeks ago, Councilman Raul Godinez suggested that council members receive raises on the condition that the money be diverted to recreation programs. The council gave its tentative approval to that idea. But Tuesday, Councilwoman Joanne Baltierez came out strongly against the proposal.

“I don’t think I’ve been on the council long enough to deserve a pay raise,” said Baltierez, who with Godinez was elected in April. “We should put it on the ballot.”

Godinez countered that he was not asking for the raise for current council members, but for those who serve in the future. He said earlier that the council has had only two raises since 1980--a 34% raise in 1986 and a 5% raise in 1988. Council members now are paid $378 a month.

Baltierez said the council does not deserve the pay raise.

“This is not a merit raise, but a cost-of-living raise,” Godinez said. “That’s all it is, to keep the position current with inflation.”

He had argued that the council raises would take the burden off of those who would seek a seat on the council.

“I pledge not to take any of the money for myself,” Godinez said.

But in a 3-2 vote the council decided to put the issue on the next local ballot election in April, 1996. Godinez and Councilwoman Rosa Chacon voted against the action.