To cut expenses, start with state politicians' salaries

I have been hearing a lot on the news and reading newspaper articles concerning state workers. I am not a state worker, but I feel the need to defend them in light of what is presently happening.

In my opinion, legislators who are asking state workers to take a pay cut and give back other benefits are hoping that the public will focus on state workers and not the politicians. I bet if state politicians' salaries and benefits were published and compared to state workers' you would be amazed.

I think it would make an interesting article if a reporter did a story on exactly what our elected officials and their selected staff are receiving and what they will in the future.

I find it ironic that they are talking about the 35-hour work week state workers have when some politicians work two or three jobs at the same time.

How is it humanly possible for some of these politicians to hold two or three jobs at the same time?

The state of New Jersey needs to cut expenses. Why don't we start with the politicians? Let's see in black and white exactly what elected officials receive, especially these three legislators who have been getting a lot of press coverage. In addition, the salaries of administrators in the different state departments should be looked at and compared to the average state worker.

Let's not take away from the average worker who pays taxes just like you and me, and is just trying to survive.

Maurice Rodriguez

Jackson