Want to know why so many legislators aren’t running again? Here’s a fact: serving in the General Assembly is just not fun. Case in point is Rep. Nathan Baskerville (D-Vance), who announced yesterday he’s not running again. Baskerville is only 34 years old and represents a safe district. That seat is probably his as long as he wants it. He just doesn’t want it anymore.
Other young members who are calling it quits: Paul Tine, Jacqueline Schaffer, Brian Brown. There are probably a couple more to come. Reasons cited for their departures include the grueling schedule, low pay, and (in Rep. Baskerville’s case) the discouraging legislative landscape. Those in Baskerville’s party are probably always going to be discouraged as long as the Republicans in control, but the other problems are fixable.
As Rob Christensen noted in a column several weeks ago, North Carolina is in a unique situation with its General Assembly. Almost every state North Carolina’s size has a full-time legislature. We act like we’re a small state and we’re not.
The solution? Either shorten the legislative session, raise pay for legislators, or establish a full-time legislature. Legislators voting themselves pay raises is never a popular thing to do politically, but the meager $13,951 per year we pay to our representatives keeps all but the independently wealthy shut out. For the average citizen, serving in the legislature is a sacrifice and probably leaves some wondering why they fought so hard to get there. After this session, more than a few have figured out the sacrifice isn’t worth it.
One thing is for certain: the current way we do things is a disservice not only to those who represent us, but to citizens at large. Let’s do something about it so legislators no longer have to make a choice between making ends meet and serving the public.
John Wynne is the “conservative voice” at PoliticsNC, where he also provides polling analysis and commentary on legislative campaigns. When not writing about politics, he enjoys gardening and listening to opera. Contact: johncwynne@gmail.com.
We continue to want young people to get involved with politics and their futures. The the door is slammed in their face with the realization that they cannot make a living or feed their families on the pay level. NC Politics is made for the wealthy and retired only; because they are the only ones that have the ability to survive on the meager salary that is well below poverty level. Not only are the state legislators underpaid/ we demand full time work from the leader of our democratic party- but offer no salary per say. If we want the youth involved- we have to give them the means to be involved.
Minor grammatical point: there is no such thing as “pretty unique”. Something is unique or it is not. We don’t say “uniquer” or “uniquest”.
I agree with the idea of full time legislators. Reason is simple.. we need the view of the average citizen and no plumber or carpenter, teacher or otherwise can show up for a part of the year and keep a “real job”. So let them get a leave of absence and come down there and knock some sense into these people… the average citizen needs to be heard and supporting the current system ensures the government of the few. Defend that?
Nancy: This link might answer a few of your questions about salary and length of sessions: http://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/2015-state-legislator-compensation.aspx
It would be interesting to know what other states do. I believe Texas, for one, has much shorter sessions than NC.
Well, I served when I was appointed to an unexpired term. The only reason I could serve was because I’m retired with a decent pension. I noted that my colleagues were either retired, like me or independently wealthy or business owners (including lawyers) who could be away while their businesses or practices continued to run smoothly. Several reported themselves as “consultants”, who consults with them I do not know. Several were listed as “financial managers”, not sure what they do either but I think they used to be what we called insurance agents. In any event the average guy or gal cannot take time off to serve in the legislature, working people are grossly under represented. That’s why their issues and concerns are seldom considered. I enjoyed my brief service, wish I could have returned to represent my neighbors but I was attacked by a gerrymander–those things sting and bite.
You bring up a very interesting point in that the legislature, and the US Congress for that matter, is populated with well-off people. The current scheme does nothing to allow a wage earner to serve, so their voices are muted since they must rely upon one of these elitists to be sympathetic to their cause. Unfortunately their are too few of these people around. Perhaps a pay raise and a commitment by employers to hold the job open while one is serving in the legislature, much like they did with soldiers who were drafted.
There should be a legislative pay rise, but not a full-time legislature. (I was under the impression that, in most states, their legislatures were in session only part of the time.) A full-time legislature would mean we would have full-time politicians with not enough to do but pass more laws. Better to have semi-pro politicians with other careers or interests rather than professional politicians in the General Assembly, IMO.
Besides, having our state legislators serve only a short time and then resign is not such a bad thing. More citizens would run for office and it could act as a surrogate for term limits.
This!!!
At the moment, I have to say I think some of the current lot were over paid this year. It does occur to me that perhaps the legislative salaries should be raised by the same percentage as the experienced teaches saw their salaries increase. (Salary, not bonus payments.)
Frustration aside, yes, that level of pay is unrealistic for the average middle class person and we badly need more of those in the legislature. Also they need adequate staffing. What I would not want to see continued is the loose controls on how campaign funds are used. Same for expense accounts for time on the job, traveling, etc. But right not, I would be greatly surprised if even 25% of the electorate would vote the legislators a raise. I would have to hold my nose to do so!
The only way an average middle-class person could possibly be in the legislature is if we choose legislators the same way that we choose jurors now, by random slection.