When councillors give themselves raises, it’s automatic some people will take offence. This newspaper could bash away at Mayor John Klinck and his council for lining up at the public trough and gorging at the taxpayers’ expense.

But that’s an overused sentiment, even though the shoe (or should that be the spoon) likely fits. Proverbial ducks in a barrel — that’s how easy it is to take aim at the issue of politicians putting more into their pockets.

What’s annoying about Gravenhurst councillors and the mayor bulking up their wallets is the manner in which they have justified the expense.

They hired a consultant, from Sudbury no less, to complete a salary analysis. Is this a bad joke?

What did council expect back from retained consultants: “Sorry, you aren’t worthy of an extra dime.” Hardly. They paid something less than $10,000 (couldn’t get an accurate figure at press time) to this Sudbury firm for affirmation of their own preconceived conviction — we’re worth fatter paycheques.

Listen to how council legitimized the raise at their last meeting. Didn’t sound like they needed any prodding from a consulting firm.

“I believe you’re worth it, and you’re worth it to your ridings,” Klinck told his councillors. We assume he lumps himself and his raise into the same boat.

If council was so convinced this raise was justifiable, why waste money on hiring a consultant? Councillors could have just as easily picked up the phone, called around to other municipalities and found out how overpaid they are there.

The other bothersome thing about this is why not have the guts during an election campaign to talk about raises? Then let the voters decide if you’re worth it, or not.

BH