Criticism and Public Outcry
The proposal faced immediate and intense criticism from various quarters:
Residents: Many Hennepin County residents expressed outrage over the size of the increase, especially given the financial challenges many were facing.
County Employees: Union representatives for county workers were particularly vocal, pointing out the stark contrast between the proposed 49% raise for commissioners and the much smaller increases offered to other county employees.
Other Elected Officials: Some former county officials and other leaders criticized the move as excessive and out of touch.
Other Elected Officials: Some former county officials and other leaders criticized the move as excessive and out of touch.
Negative Implications for Hennepin County
The support for such a large pay increase by some incumbents has several negative consequences for Hennepin County:
1. Public Trust: The proposal damaged public trust in county leadership, with many viewing it as a "brazen grab for more money. 2. Employee Morale: The stark difference between the proposed raise for commissioners and the offers made to other county employees (as low as 1% in some cases) could have severely impacted staff morale and labor relations.
3. Fiscal Responsibility: At a time when many residents were struggling with rising costs and increased tax bills, the large pay increase was seen as fiscally irresponsible.
4. Political Consequences: Former commissioner Randy Johnson predicted that those who voted for the increase would be "tagged as 49ers for the rest of their short political careers" Click here to find your polling location for the general election on November 5th and cast your vote for Brad Kohler for County Commissioner!
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