Galanter Salary
In 1990, every news medium in this town (including yours) endorsed [Charter Amendment H] changing the salary assigned to Los Angeles City Council members. I wrote the ballot argument against that proposition, and voted against it expressly because it was a significant pay raise in disguise. But the voters overwhelmingly adopted it and amended the City Charter.
In 1991, the state Legislature changed the salary of municipal judges and, under the voter-approved charter amendment, the salary of Los Angeles council members. In 1995, they did it again.
Never in any election campaign did I promise to work for a fraction of the salary that goes with the job to which I have been elected.
Nevertheless, I chose not to collect the 1991 adjustment for 4 1/2 years and not to collect the 1995 adjustment for the remainder of the term in which it took effect. In fact, by collecting only part of my salary I have effectively donated close to $30,000 to the city Treasury over the last 4 1/2 years.
For you to complain that I am living under the charter amendment you endorsed is hypocritical at best.
RUTH GALANTER
Councilwoman, Sixth District
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