88 replies to this topic

[doj_gal]

Should the pursuit of public information include Social Security? Should the names and benefit amounts be published for each recipient? Do all who choose to receive SS retirement or disability benefits automatically give up their right to privacy because we all have contributed to their benefit? What about unemployment benefits? I’m trying to understand why individual names are important as opposed to a job title or some type of identifying number and if the naming of individuals applies across the board or just to those employed by the government and excludes those who receive benefits, but are not government employees.

I totally agree. If we are paying taxes and assisting others they should be held accountable as well. I do not understand why names are displayed either. However, with the attitudes of some people on here, I am begining to understand. Everyone wants to know everything about everyone else. I do not mind the salary I make being posted. I do however hate Sacramento Bee for hosting the information, which goes way beyond the realm of informational. Oh well, the paper is garbage any way and just another reason why I chose to cancel my subscription.

[2kids4me]

Why would you need to know the salary for specifc people? I think that is just a matter of being nosy. To me, it's sufficient to know that garbage collectors earn $XXXX-$XXXX monthly. Why do I need to know what John Doe makes? Why isn't just the salary range sufficient? I cannot see a point.

Now, for the upper management and executives, I can see it. I think people that are involved in decision-making should be listed individually.

I worked for the govt for years, and I don't see why you would have wanted to see my salary? What does it matter? Just so you can (censored) and say $30/hour is too much for my position? I'm just not understanding why you need to look up individual names. The salary schedule lists jobs alphabetically. If you are concerned about a particular classification, why not just look it up and add 35% for benes?

I think it's just voyeurism. Y'all are nosy.

[knittychick]

In Folsom employee classifications are included in the salary schedules posted under the HR Department info on-line (the various MOUs are posted there also). Upper management and executives have employment contracts and those are public information – download the public information request from the city website and submit it. You can examine their contracts for free or pay 10¢ per page if you want to take the contract with you. Electeds salaries are passed by Ordinance (also public information) according to the City Charter.

[Dave Burrell]

IMO, names should not be posted, just positions, salaries and benefits.

I feel for you guys in the public sector, unfortunately this is one of those things that goes with the job.

I'd gladly take a state job any day... any openings available? I'd also be a-ok with my salary being listed - hopefully it'd be good enough to be proud of

[doj_gal]

I feel for you guys in the public sector, unfortunately this is one of those things that goes with the job.

Okay...I get your point but would you be okay with a database displaying all your information if you get any type of government assistance?
(unemployment, disability, social security, low income health issurance, food stamps)

Technically, we all pay into all those funds and do not use them, so we should know who they are going to and if they are being misused. I am intrested in how much of my hard earned taxes are given to people who often times abuse the system much more than the state and county workers. Funny that they can use welfare at Casinos and strip clubs but you are more intrested in the 30,000+ I make a year. Not stating you...just people in general.

I wish people in our state would focus on where the problem truly lies. We are giving out waaay to much $$$$ and not enough people are replenishing it. I do not think that we should give people money when they are laid off, especially not for 2 years. They need to look for other employment, rely on savings, downsize if they have to and get another job ASAP...Max of 6 months total for these type of benefits...welfare, food stamps, unemployment. Believe me that these people will find a job or work when their benefits run out, it's fact that most do within a week or two of their unemployment running out. However, the appeal of money for nothing causes these people to just sit and collect a check. Not all do this so please do not jump on me but a lot of people do and it's draining our state. And as far as welfare, I do not understand why they give you more money when you have additional children, if you cannot afford to pay for the child(ren) you already have...DO NOT HAVE ANYMORE!!!

There are plenty of state jobs for anyone to have, if they put in the effort. Go on www.spb.ca.gov. Check into the examinations for the state positions that you may qualify for, test and do well so you are in the top 10% or above. Then go to an interview, land the job, pass the background check(certain jobs) and this could all be yours....HAHAHAHA jk. It is pretty simple...you strike me as a free spirit that would not want to work for a boss that is half your age. It is a good job. I am very lucky that I love mine. I have done very well in the examinations so that I am in the top 5% of any classifications that I have taken tests in.

[Dave Burrell]

Okay...I get your point but would you be okay with a database displaying all your information if you get any type of government assistance?
(unemployment, disability, social security, low income health issurance, food stamps)

Technically, we all pay into all those funds and do not use them, so we should know who they are going to and if they are being misused. I am intrested in how much of my hard earned taxes are given to people who often times abuse the system much more than the state and county workers. Funny that they can use welfare at Casinos and strip clubs but you are more intrested in the 30,000+ I make a year. Not stating you...just people in general.

I wish people in our state would focus on where the problem truly lies. We are giving out waaay to much $$ and not enough people are replenishing it. I do not think that we should give people money when they are laid off, especially not for 2 years. They need to look for other employment, rely on savings, downsize if they have to and get another job ASAP...Max of 6 months total for these type of benefits...welfare, food stamps, unemployment. Believe me that these people will find a job or work when their benefits run out, it's fact that most do within a week or two of their unemployment running out. However, the appeal of money for nothing causes these people to just sit and collect a check. Not all do this so please do not jump on me but a lot of people do and it's draining our state. And as far as welfare, I do not understand why they give you more money when you have additional children, if you cannot afford to pay for the child(ren) you already have.

There are plenty of state jobs for anyone to have, if they put in the effort. Go on www.spb.ca.gov. Check into the examinations for the state positions that you may qualify for, test and do well so you are in the top 10% or above. Then go to an interview, land the job, pass the background check(certain jobs) and this could all be yours....HAHAHAHA jk. It is pretty simple...you strike me as a free spirit that would not want to work for a boss that is half your age. It is a good job. I am very lucky that I love mine. I have done very well in the examinations so that I am in the top 5% of any classifications that I have taken tests in.

As I stated before, I don't think names should be used - just figures and metrics data.

I also agree with you about welfare, there is waaaay too much waste going on and you may be onto something there - if data was used to show who (cities/locals not names) is receiving X amount of state aid for X amount of years it could prove very interesting and pin point problem areas that need to be addressed - for lack of jobs, lack of learning or lack of people getting off their butts to work instead of sitting back and mooching off the state (I'm referring to the ones who have made a career out of being sponges, not the people who got laid off at middle age who are competing with thousands for one job).

I also think there should be a cut off of welfare at two children. If a poor destitute couple (or single mom) is cranking out babies and having more then 2 - then that's just stupid. Its a bad saying but.... don't breed 'em if you can't feed 'em makes sense...

[doj_gal]

As I stated before, I don't think names should be used - just figures and metrics data.

I also agree with you about welfare, there is waaaay too much waste going on and you may be onto something there - if data was used to show who (cities/locals not names) is receiving X amount of state aid for X amount of years it could prove very interesting and pin point problem areas that need to be addressed - for lack of jobs, lack of learning or lack of people getting off their butts to work instead of sitting back and mooching off the state (I'm referring to the ones who have made a career out of being sponges, not the people who got laid off at middle age who are competing with thousands for one job).

I also think there should be a cut off of welfare at two children. If a poor destitute couple (or single mom) is cranking out babies and having more then 2 - then that's just stupid. Its a bad saying but.... don't breed 'em if you can't feed 'em makes sense...

I think that would be a great plan....I think I will be sending this idea to Arnold and for the person who takes over after him. I am sure they have the data....about time that they start using it!!!

[folsom500]

DOJ- Gal-- Are you posting all this from work ? or do you have the days off ?

Just wondering

BTW - I agree on the Welfare - 2 max and then make them work for it ..

[doj_gal]

DOJ- Gal-- Are you posting all this from work ? or do you have the days off ?

Just wondering

BTW - I agree on the Welfare - 2 max and then make them work for it ..

I will not give my schedule but I will say that I am not at work. Are you at work?

[folsom500]

I will not give my schedule but I will say that I am not at work. Are you at work?

Yes - but I own my time - I balance my day. I am self employed

[doj_gal]

Yes - but I own my time - I balance my day. I am self employed

Good for you but I would focus less on my schedule and more on making money...maybe log off and work...Thanks!

[folsom500]

Good for you but I would focus less on my schedule and more on making money...maybe log off and work...Thanks!

I can only do so much in a day - - Much of my work is international so it often gets slow during the day.
I was just asking as you post alot and at length often so I figured you have a off shift job - especially since this topic is discussing salary info related to taxpayers money.

Nothing personal - was just a bit of a josh on the subject and your posting.

Cheers
F500

[The Average Joe]

I think the people that push this issue, are those who could not make it as a state employee or city worker

That is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time! Seriously...you think working for the state is more difficult than the private sector? How about than being self-employed? Good luck with that...

....would be like me saying, people who work for the state couldn't make it in the private sector...oh wait...you get FIRED for incompetence in the private sector, not given a glowing review to get you out of your current position so somebody else in another department can deal with you. While there are many hardworking state workers, there is a disproportionately large group of "deadwood."

Oh, and I never said I thought it was a good idea or right to list any personal information, but I would want to know if say a trash collector..er, waste removal specialist made 90k a year with all his benes and retirement...the problem is that these wage and benefit negotiations are often done behind closed doors with the unions sitting on both sides of the table.... THAT is what is bankrupting cities all over the state.

[2kids4me]

Okay, to contradict myself, I just thought of a reason for specific names, or possibly listing individual employees with an anonymous identifier. Overtime. In the time I worked for the govt, the amount of wasted money on overtime was disgusting. That might be something they should be held accountable for.

[ducky]

Okay, to contradict myself, I just thought of a reason for specific names, or possibly listing individual employees with an anonymous identifier. Overtime. In the time I worked for the govt, the amount of wasted money on overtime was disgusting. That might be something they should be held accountable for.

I still don't see the need for the listing of names. I understand your point, but you could still be disgusted with the overtime policy and wages without actually knowing the name of the individual receiving it.