Cleveland Leader: John Kasich Defends Increasing Salaries of His Top Staff (published 1/8/11)
On Friday, it was revealed that incoming Ohio Governor John Kasich planned to give some of his top staff significant raises, while continuing to preach budget cuts, fiscal responsibility, and how unions and public sector employees are the downfall of our society. Many Ohioans were understandably outraged.
In the midst of all this budget belt tightening, how can John Kasich be paying his staff significantly more than what the staff of former Governor Ted Strickland was paid?
More: Governor’s Office Salaries Going WAY Up Under Kasich
Strickland’s Chief of Staff John Haseley makes $122,990/year but Kasich’s incoming Chief of Staff Beth Hansen is going to receive $170,000. This is more money than every cabinet member but 3, more than the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, more than the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor, Speaker and Senate President!
And while John Keeling doesn’t appear to be on the list yet (it’s still very incomplete), Jai Chabria is.
For his long-time friend and the second half of his two man office at Lehman, John Kasich made up a brand new position: Special Assistant to the Governor. And a brand new salary as well: $145,000.
The Governor himself only makes $141,708!
How about $1 salaries until the budget is fixed?
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