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Originally Posted by Trunks

[quote:82ea7]Actually, I don't know any overpaid public officials. Most would make much more money in the private sector. Until 2001 the US President's salary had not changed in 32 years.

At the very least salaries should be standardized. Did you know the range of salaries for Governors of states of the US ranges from 60k-170k? Now if it were more like 80k-90k
not only would money be saved in the long run, but it would be a much more equal system.

[quote:82ea7]How can you be sure? And since we are assuming, I will assume that not too many elected officials in Bolivia are "well off" at least by US standards, unless their money comes from businesses outside of their office.[/quote:82ea7]True, but then again you can take 50,000 american dollars to russia and be extremely wealthy there. The point is they are overpaid by their standards and thats what matters.[/quote:82ea7]

yeah, but think of the consequences if you limit the salary. The smart candidates who would be successful would never run because they could make so much more money in the private sector. If you can at least offer them something that they can live a good life on, then they will be more willing to run for public office, otherwise, they have no incentive and all the smart and succesful people will be in the private sector.