Our Poor Politicians - Oh how it Hurts to Serve

We should really do something to entice "good people" to enter the world of public (self-service).

I know this does not apply to all entering public life but we have to ask why we feel the need to dump such hefty benefits on these people - who after all just feel the need to "serve" the public.

The Telegram has an interesting piece today on this subject "Economics 101".

Sue's Blog would like to take it a step further.

Frank Moores - born in Carbonear - educated Ontario - came into public life as a "business person" - a sacrifice?
Became one of the key advisers to Mulrooney and one of the most prominent lobbyists in Ottawa - made a fortune - did becoming Premier hold him back?
Was his only reward a pension and a meagre salary when in office?
I think not. The connections made while serving as Premier - served him well.
Did not retire in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How about Brian Peckford? A teacher - and he gave it all up to become Premier!!! He sacrificed to serve the public. Left politics in the middle of another economic mess - highlighted by Sprung and a failed attempt to force Ottawa to allow a power corridor through Quebec - ignored and then bungled a fabulous opportunity to develop the Lower Churchill - which would have seen a mix of export and domestic use with - the Power Authority State of New York including the development of the Atlantic Route for transmission. Skulked away saying he did not have what it took to deliver the hard choices to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He did not go back to teaching nor did he retire in rural Newfoundland - he went on to start a consulting company - now heavily involved in the mining sector and oil/gas ventures.
Do you think the contacts he made while Premier - dealing with all those oil and gas companies and mining companies did not launch his lucrative private life.
Was his only reward a pension and a meagre salary when in office?
I think not. The connections made while serving as Premier - served him well.
Did not retire in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Let's look at Clyde Wells - at least we can say he retired in Newfoundland and Labrador - albeit as the Chief Justice - his dream job - unless he was called to the Supreme Court of Canada - my guess is - had it been offered he would have retired in the Nation's Capital. In either case - his time serving the public did not hurt his future ambitions - no doubt only enhanced them despite leading a government that was ultimately successfully sued for damages by the private sector.It was not by accident that this Premier who was once involved in Newfoundland Power spent so much of his political capital and energy trying to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro...
Was his only reward a pension and a meagre salary when in office?
I think not. The connections made while serving as Premier - served him well.
Did retire in Newfoundland and Labrador - so far.


Then of course "Our Brian" Savior # 4 after Mr. Confederation "Smallwood".
Let's see now - he was ah - ah - Bill's Assistant then became Premier - what a sacrifice he made to serve us - gave it "all" up.
Let's see now - leaves politics after "the mountain" - and took his spoon with him to Corporate Boards all over Canada - presumably to stir the coffee. He buys condos - next to NHL All-Stars - and every now and then drops in to visit the Premier and to give us his advice.
Was his only reward a pension and a meagre salary when in office?
I think not. The connections made while serving as Premier - served him well.
Did not retire in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What we need to do is offer up some more goodies to entice these people to serve....Oh give me a break!

And tell me - are you all feeling "better off" as a result of their tremendous sacrifice?