Volunteerism Absent From Accounting Board

It is claimed that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board needs to pay the members nearly half a million dollars to attract the best and brightest (“Big Four Top Accounting Watchdog’s List,” Jan. 10).

It would seem that the best and brightest in the financial world should have been able to accumulate plenty of wealth already, allowing them to become committee members at a salary comparable to the president.

President Bush has been touting public service and volunteerism -- this is a perfect place for public officials to set an example by forgoing the extra $300,000.

I don’t think showing greed and avarice sets the appropriate tone for a watchdog committee.

Zelda McKay

Manhattan Beach