Governor lives on attorney's wage

It is not that I feel compelled to write a follow-up letter to the editor about a subject I addressed recently.  City Attorney Tim Wilson’s 33.8 percent pay-raise is nothing short of outrageous.

The West Virginia State Legislature just authorized an increase in Gov. Joe Manchin’s salary from $95,000 to $150,00 per year.  Like Idaho, West Virginia is a mountainous state with a natural resource-based economy dependent on logging and mining.  They face many of the same challenges we do here in Idaho.

Now let’s put this into perspective.  The 2009 wage for the Bonners Ferry City Attorney is equal to the 2008 wage for the Governor of West Virginia.

Mr. Wilson receives a lifetime pension as a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps, a handsome salary from the City of Bonners Ferry and a decent income from his private practice and other business.  I commend his success and ambition.  However, I caution against greed.

Just how much money does one need to live comfortably in such a small town?  Why don’t we hire some young civil attorney at a modest salary and help lower unemployment?

Jerry Higgs

Bonners  Ferry

Editor’s Note: Attorney Timothy Wilson is an independent contractor and not employed by the City of Bonners Ferry.

Wilson represents the city for anyone who breaks a law that’s no greater than a misdemeanor, according to his contract file at city hall.

He also is required to attend up to five planning and zoning meetings when requested by the mayor. Wilson also must attend 22 city council meetings a year.

 According to the contract, Wilson pays for all of his expenses, education, training, research, tax reporting, accounting, travel, administrative support and office supplies.

Expenses Wilson incurs concerning trials for the city, outside normal filings and trial participation, is paid separately by the city.

His term is for one year. Wilson and the city will re-negotiate the contract beginning in October.