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Higginson on life after leaving politics

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One year ago, I enjoyed several Taco Bell bean burritos, which had become my Tuesday night staple for over two decades. (What does that say about me?) I then participated in a very touching farewell party and finished placing mementos acquired over the past 28 years into a box. I flipped off my office lights, handed my key to the city manager and bid farewell to Poway City Hall.

It felt somewhat like Thanksgiving dinner — hours of anticipation and work and then, in 45 minutes, it’s over and time for pie.

At the time my wife was certain that I would be like a “bulldog on a sock” and have a hard time giving up city politics. In fact, I wasn’t sure. This was a new experience for me.

I found out quickly that the extra time with the family and grandchildren, along with the ability to pick up and go anywhere and not worry about a city topic or issue was more than cathartic, it was just plain enjoyable. I confess, I did not miss contemplating and absorbing issues related to dog parks, water rate increases or flying drones. Others now have that privilege.

My biggest surprise occurred while chatting with folks in the community. I had been under the impression (apparently mistaken) that everyone understood the city manager/council form of government in Poway and that being the mayor or councilmember was not a full-time job. I would find myself explaining that I was not out of a job — that, in fact, I had always had a paying profession that allowed my wife and I to feed and clothe our children (and, from time to time, ourselves) and neither we, nor anyone else, could do so on a councilmember’s salary. It became an “aha” moment for many.

Even though this “hobby on steroids” is not what one might consider a “profession,” the California Government Code allows for a salary and compensation for elected mayors and councilmembers. The code dictates the salary allowed (based on the population of a city) and a 5 percent cap on any annual increases. When I was first elected in 1986 the council salary was $400 a month (we also received an auto allowance and other compensation). While we could have increased our salary annually by at least 5 percent, we decided not to do so for 12 years. Then, in 1998 we made the decision to increase the council salary to $713 a month, and also to commence paying the mayor a little extra for the additional time required of that position. Except for 2008 (due to the recession and staff cuts) the council has periodically increased the salary as allowed under the California Government Code.

Philosophically, some might argue (and from time to time a few do) that the mayor and councilmembers are just “giving back to their community” and should not be compensated for their time and efforts. After all, they are public servants, not public employees. Over the years the Poway City Council has been made up of teachers, doctors, attorneys, bankers, and even an actual retiree. This city position requires many hours away from their supposed “real profession” and one becomes an actual steward over a multi-million dollar operating budget.

So when the topic of council salaries is found on a future city meeting agenda, it appears pretty straightforward that appropriate compensation is certainly warranted. However, if any mayor or council member feels differently, they take advance advantage of California Government Code 36516(f) which allows them to waive any or all of their salary.

That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it.

(By the way, Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for family, good health and the opportunity to water my landscaping twice a week!)

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