To the editor:

In the Oct. 5, 2018 edition of the Islander, Mr. John Atkinson laments the lack of courage of U.S. senators (being paid salaries of $174,000 a year) in the recent confirmation process. He goes on to note that in a democracy people get the leaders they deserve.

In the same issue Mr. Pilling, Kitsap Sun reporter, notes Morgan Smith, candidate for city manager of Bainbridge, is being offered $174,000 (jumping to $184,000 after six months and a successful performance review) annual base salary.

We live in a democracy, as Mr. Atkinson suggests, and we also live in a market-based economy where people are thought to be paid more or less what they are worth.

Now it is true that coping with the contentious bickering of pro- and anti- mobility, pro- and anti- dense development and pro- and anti- disposable shopping bag factions, etc. is not a pleasant task. But perhaps this salary equity between city of Bainbridge Island manager and U.S. senator suggests that, if we really want to get what we deserve we might also expect to get what we pay for and offer the senators a hefty salary increase?

FRED TRUITT

Bainbridge Island