First some numbers:
Back in 1970, each Council member had a staff of 5. Today they have 20. Each city council office costs a little over 1.7 million per year to run. According to the latest numbers, 477 political aides work for the 15 Council offices and the Mayor’s office. That is more than the White House. Most aides make around $100,000 a year. But the true cost is around $140,000 when you count in healthcare, dental, disability, benefits, etc. Let’s compare this to other cities. In San Francisco, the city’s Board of Supervisors, which are their council people, have 2 aides each. New York City is the same. In San Diego, the mayor’s office has a total staff of 37.
I have written repeatedly to the council office and the city council begging them to scale back these ridiculous numbers. Were I to have the honor of being elected as your city council person, I would immediately cut my staff and salary in half. This city needs to spend money on folks who actually do things and stop spending money on political aides. I do not need a press secretary.