Edison Mayor Jun Choi is paid much less, on average, than other mayors in other towns. This fact we do not dispute. However, we would like to voice our concerns that the timing of this proposal might send mixed messages about the financial state of the township.
Yes, we understand that in the context of Edison’s budgets, up to $115 million this year, $48,000 for the mayor really isn’t that much. We can also see that even if all the department heads’ salaries were increased to the new proposed maximums, total costs would still be comparatively small when weighed against the millions the township already spends.
Still, we cannot be the only ones who find it puzzling that in a time when township officials speak of the importance to rein in spending and return to fiscal discipline, the administration brings forth this proposal to increase various salaries.
This measure could thus end up sending the public mixed messages. The salary ordinance might not actually be that bad for the township’s financial health, and the administration is probably arguing its points in good faith. However, given how much has been said of Edison’s financial difficulties, people may be confused when they see the mayor’s salary double. Public perception is very important, and the public may not perceive this well. No matter how good or legitimate the reasons for this ordinance may be, the administration must deal with the fact that this just doesn’t look good.
The quandary, then, is figuring out how to increase the mayor’s salary while keeping in line with a philosophy of lower spending in the township. We recommend a gradual increase over the course of a year or two until market parity is achieved. This ties in neatly with the fact that this proposal’s biggest issue is, simply, timing.