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View s on Salary Increase for Governor
By V. G O’N EIL
" I t would indeed be a selfish organ
The Oregon State Employees Associ
ation has recently gone on record as ization which would restrict its objec
tives to its own membership without
favoring increases in the salaries of
the Governor, Secretary of State, State regard to others. The Oregon State Em
Treasurer, other elective officers, ap ployees Association IS N O T in such a
pointed officials and others who may category, and C A N N O T , under its
not come within the coverage of the constitution, ever becomes a self-center
Civil Service Act. This action was tak ed group.
“ T h in k in g persons will admit that
en by unanimous vote of the Associa
tion’s delegates at their General Coun the Governor and other elective or
cil meeting held in Salem on November appointive officials do not receive ade
quate salaries. Our county and city citi
9th to 11th of this year.
The Association, representing State zens are raising the salaries of their
employees from all parts of the State, officials in the interest of better gov
feels that a general lifting of salaries ernment (Better public service). A
paid to Oregon’s leaders in govern check of the records will disclose that
mental functions will be of benefit to most of our State officials are receiv
ing salaries which have been raised lit
the general welfare of the State.
The Association, in expressing its tle, if at all, in many, many years. In
fact many State officials are at salary
views on this matter, further states:
“ It is true that there are those who levels below those established for City
officials!
may at first object to this attitude, in
"It is conceivable that Oregon will
cluding some members of the Associa
tion. Let it be pointed out that the see its neighboring states of Washing
Association is trying to uphold its pre ton, California, Idaho and Nevada
cepts of conduct which are expressed publicizing themselves as lands of prom
in part as follows ‘to promote the wel ise and Utopias of the "nth” degree!
fare of state employees in all ways Industrialization of the West and rapid
which are compatible with the best in economic growth on the Pacific coast
terests of the State.’ It is not always are certainties in the near future and
appreciated, however, that from our have, in fact, already begun! If Oregon
highest office, the Governorship, to the is to remain a great State and is to take
more numerous positions of clerk, lab its rightful place among its neighbors,
orer, etc., ALL are in State service and it must grow in stature, and should
shake the shackles which have permitted
A LL are employees of the State.
it to be outstripped in many respects by
neighbors to the north and south.
The President’s Message
"The placing of our eminent State
(Continued from page 3)
officials on a plane of dignity befitting
objectives of the Association. Each one their office is one step in the right direc
of us should, therefore, make a special tion. The willingness of the people to
effort to acquaint non-members with be other than niggardly in bestowing
our objectives and solicit their affilia proper awards to the offices which re
tion and support. I feel certain that we present their State is one step towards
can have very close to a 100% mem increasing the prestige which the gov
bership; if this is to be done each one ernmental functions of this great State
must do his part.
deserve.”