Posted on 03/27/2009 9:05:46 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Unemployment in California may be at its highest since 1983, but there are jobs with the state Legislature for the well-connected.
Yolie Flores Aguilar, a longtime friend and political ally of some powerful California Democrats, last year supplemented her income as vice president of the Los Angeles school board with more than $32,000 as a consultant assigned to a state Senate committee that, during her tenure, did not meet or release any reports.
State Sen. Rod Wright (D-Inglewood) was paid at least $27,900 by the state Senate last year for miscellaneous tasks as he was campaigning for his current job. And Californians pay Marisela Villar, daughter of L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, $68,000 annually as a field representative for Democrats.
Lawmakers have broad powers to hire whomever they wish, and those they employ need not go through the Civil Service exam process that requires applicants to compete for jobs on merit. Some are paid as consultants, with vague responsibilities or assignments. Others have titles that bear little relationship to what they actually do.
At least a dozen political allies, relatives and friends of legislators, including political candidates in need of a salaried landing or launch pad between elections, were on the legislative roster last year at a cost of $754,000.
"It looks like nepotism," said Tracy Westen, chief executive of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles. "It's the kind of thing the public doesn't like: people using their power and influence to provide cushy jobs to friends and family."
Aguilar was given a $7,252-per-month salary for more than four months as a consultant to the Senate Select Committee on Urban Economies by Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), who has been an ally on school reform efforts in Los Angeles.
One lawmaker on the committee questioned the benefit to taxpayers.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Hundreds of thousands and likely millions over time paid out for nothing of any substance or value... or is it just criminality become mainstream for some politicos, ie, theft, misappropriation?
You’re surprised? Look at the areas where this is going on. I have asked before....”Would the last remaining honest person stand up?”
Amazing isn’t it?
And California is actually INCREASING STATE PAYROLLS!!!!
Taxpayers are beyond scroood.
There are no more words in the dictionary to describe it.
But hey, the idiots keep voting in democrats what can I say?
Oh yeah, I effing live here. Sweet huh?
I honestly don’t have a problem with giving friends and family a job... as long as they DO THE JOB [WELL].
That, however, is not the case here.
To polish its image, California is changing its name to one more in keeping with today’s state:
West New Jersey...
I do have a problem when the jobs are paid by taxpayers. This is not a private company hiring who they want...this is political payback. There is obviously a conflict of interest here.
Politically liberal leeches and weasels.
What are you shocked?
This is how it works in a Socialist state.
Shocked?
No.
Jealous, Yes. :-)
I know my trash and recycle bins from my .. uhh,, yaknow.. I’m worth $132K a year on the state waste control board.. at least ;-)
What I wouldn’t give for a 200k a year, cushy government job. :(
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