Sep 20, 2014 2 min read

I am motivated to write because of an offensive campaign ad I received in the mail this week. It depicted Tim Solobay with cash stuffed in his shirt pocket. The ad goes on to say that Solobay has been a public servant for nearly two decades, and in that time he has voted himself pay increases totaling over 45 percent and a pension of $40,000 per year.

If we take that 45 percent and divide it by 20 years in office, that averages out to a little more than 2 percent per year. The cost of living during the same period increased on average by approximately 4 percent per year. I work in human resources, so I know that most employers in Pennsylvania gave salary increases in line with the cost of living during the same period. Solobay should not be criticized for increasing his salary at half the average rate.

If we want bright and dedicated public servants working for the state, then we need to pay a competitive salary and benefits. I have no issue with Solobay voting for fair pay.

On the other hand, I take great issue with shadowy PACs sending misleading fliers to the public. I looked closely at the flier to see who sent it. It was very hard to find. Hidden in one of the corners with the tiniest of type were the words, “Paid for by Reform PA PAC.” I wonder if this PAC tried to dodge accountability because they were embarrassed by their flier.

Joshua Dobkin

Washington