Local body politicians and pay rates

Over at Homepaddock it is noted that several mayors seem to think they deserve a pay rise:

Oh dear, if there’s a phrase that politicians should never utter it’s “we deserve a pay rise” and to be fair, the mayors interviewed by the Southland Times didn’t put it in exactly those words.

Queenstown-Lakes mayor Clive Geddes said:

“My own view, not speaking for myself but speaking for the councils and community chairs in this district, is that their remuneration is significantly below the effort and contribution they make.”

Central Otago mayor Malcolm Macpherson said:

. . . in my view people who do the sort of work that rural authority mayors do are pretty much underpaid as it is.

And Southland District mayor Frana Cardno said:

. . . Our councillors earn a pathetic amount that wouldn’t even cover the costs of them leaving their work for the day . . .

I suspect they all have a point, that council pay is less than fair compensation for the time and effort good councillors put into their work.

I would say this is wrong. If it were right, then no one would stand in the local body elections. After all, people will only stand if they think that the return, in whatever form, makes taking on the job worthwhile. And as people are doing these jobs at the current pay rate it can't be too low. In fact as there are normally more than one candidate for these positions it appears there is an excess demand, perhaps the pay rate is way too high. We should lower it!!