Outgoing Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson has called for a raise in the mayor's salary, stating that the current amount of $125,000 is insufficient to attract qualified candidates. Stimpson, who previously campaigned on a pledge to work for free, says a higher salary would broaden the talent pool and ensure a livable wage for future mayors. He plans to submit a proposal to the City Council within the next week.
) - In a dramatic turnaround for a mayor who once vowed to work for free, Sandy Stimpson on Thursday called for the City Council to raise the position’s salary. Stimpson made the announcement at the annual “State of the City and County” event hosted by the Mobile Chamber.
Stimpson is not running for re-election, which he said makes it an advantageous time to advocate for a pay increase since he won’t personally benefit. He told reporters after his address that the $125,000 salary is not enough to ensure good candidates. “It will not, probably, impact this mayor’s race,” he said. “But it could impact future mayor races ‘cause people will start thinking, you know, that’s the salary. That’s enough money for me to make a living, maintain my standard of my lifestyle, my family. You know, they don’t have to sacrifice. So what I’m hoping is that it broadens the talent pool. That’s the bottom line.” During his first campaign, Stimpson vowed not to take a salary. He said that he did not appreciate at the time what a challenging job it is.Stimpson said he does not have a specific number in mind but plans to submit a proposal to the City Council in the next week or so. It must be done fast, because the city’s charter requires a pay increase to be passed at least six months before the August election. Byond the city’s $300 million budget, Stimpson said $5.4 billion in economic activity flows though the city. He said that is on par with major corporations, like Under Armour. He said when the current form of city government began in 1985, the mayor’s salary was $60,000, which he says is $190,000 in today’s dollars. Stimpson said the salary is less than what mayors – or in some cases, city managers – make in similar cities. That ranges from $175,000 for the mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to $260,000 paid to the top administrator in Savanah, Georgia, the city manager. Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, the only announced candidate for mayor so far, said she agreed a “nominal” increase in the mayor’s salary is justified. “But I think we have to be carful that … you don’t increase it so much that citizens wonder, you know, what is the motivation of the person serving in that office,” she said.Cold weather continues as rain and another cold blast loomUSPS will not deliver mail on Thursday, here’s why Fairhope police believe body found on Prospect Avenue may be related to earlier shooting at McDonald’sJudge rules in favor of city in wrongful termination suit by former fire captainMan arrested in connection to State Line triple murder
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