Dear Editor:
In a recent editorial, Commonwealth Journal columnist Chris Harris wrote: “They (magistrates) may not even be getting paid enough.”
Mr. Harris, you have given me one more thing to lay awake at night and worry about. The poor magistrates’ pay.
It’s like I needed another worry during the hard economic times we are in. Some local citizens earn only seven dollars ($7) per hour and some have no job at all.
So, tell me again, Chris, that a magistrate’s pay, seven hundred dollars ($700) per hour, is not enough.
For such a “meager” wage, it is a surprise 51 people could be found to apply for the job of Pulaski County squire. Must have taken a lot of arm twisting?
I guess it’s not the money the candidates are after? Perhaps they just want to perform a civic duty for their county?
In the same issue in which Mr. Harris’ editorial appeared there was a help wanted ad for the position of Burnside Police officer. The pay figures out to one dollar and eight-nine cents (1.89) per hour.
I wonder how many of the 51 candidates for magistrates would want that job? Probably none.
Further, I wonder how many of the magistrates would even qualify?
You must have a high school diploma, successfully pass a rigorous background test and have professional training to serve as a police officer. Three qualifications that are not required to serve as a magistrate, even though, Pulaski County government is a multi-million dollar business.
While the magistrates are cutting “good ol’ boy” deals in the back room of the courthouse, the Burnside policeman could very well be putting his life on the line in a dangerous situation.
Mr. Harris, I’ve never seen you write anything about the low pay of Burnside police officers or any other of our first responders.
Does that mean, Mr. Harris, that you put more value on the time of a magistrate than you put on the life of a police officer?
Chris, you are a very good writer. So, I am anxious to see how you respond to my last question or will you dodge it?
Sincerely,
Ted White
Science Hill, Ky.
