Posted on 02/22/2006 5:12:33 PM PST by Alienprobe
Stetler won't return raise
He's opting to give to charity
CARL LINDQUIST The York Dispatch
State Rep. Steve Stetler hasn't returned the pay raise money he received before the raise was repealed in November. Instead, the Democratic legislator -- who is in his eighth term representing York City -- said he is giving the money to charities and nonprofits.
Although Stetler said he's not sure exactly how much of a pay boost he got before the raise was repealed in November, state records show he made about $9,190 extra during the four months lawmakers could get the increase.
Stetler said his donations to charities and nonprofits would equal or exceed the amount of extra money he got.
He and his wife have already donated nearly all of the estimated amount, Stetler said, adding the rest should be donated soon.
"I think we are pretty good participants in the community in terms of giving," Stetler said. "We make a point to make sure that money is distributed to nonprofits and charities."
To avoid the appearance of favoritism, Stetler would not specify the charities to which he donated.
Opponents: Give it back: Both Republicans hoping to unseat Stetler in the November election said they believe Stetler should give the money back to the taxpayers.
Candidate Larry Homsher said voting in favor of the pay raise was wrong, and he disagrees with taking the money instead of returning it to the state.
"Rather than give it to charities, I don't know why you don't give it back to taxpayers," Homsher said. "Trying to say you're going to give it to charity, to me, is trying to avoid the issue. The issue for me is you voted for the raise and took the raise."
Candidate Karen Emenheiser echoed that sentiment. She and Homsher will face off in the May primary to determine who will get on the Republican ticket to run against Stetler in the November general election.
Emenheiser said Stetler shouldn't have voted in favor of the pay raise. He shouldn't benefit through possible tax benefits by donating to charity, she said.
Says she would pay: If elected, Emenheiser pledged to return the money, even though she didn't receive it.
"I personally feel like that money should go back to the taxpayers." Emenheiser said. "If elected, it's going back to the general fund even if it's coming out of my pocket."
Pointing out that many Republicans also backed the pay raise, Stetler said he had several reasons for voting in favor of the measure. He later voted to repeal it.
Among reasons Stetler said he voted for the pay raise: the need to draw qualified candidates to run for office. In some areas, such as southeastern Pennsylvania, the cost of living can be much higher than in York, and legislative salaries don't go as far, he said.
"I'm always concerned about attracting people into this line of work that are well-prepared and willing to go through this process," Stetler said. "I think that you have to make the positions somewhat financially attractive for people to do it."
Stetler and retiring state Rep. Bruce Smith, R-Dillsburg, were the only area state representatives who voted in favor of the pay raise. Smith has said he returned the extra money to the state.
-- Reach Carl Lindquist at 505-5432 or clindquist@yorkdispatch.com.
I bet Stetler is taking the tax write off from his "charitible donations"
Bingo. He gets the deduction for using OPM.
Bingo! ...Me 3!
Do you actually have proof that he gave it to charities? This guy sounds like a typical Dem caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
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