Wilson Hires Campaign Staff

Re “Governor’s Revolving Door for Staffers,” March 10:

In the present business climate of downsizing, restructuring or just laying off, where tens of thousands of working people are experiencing economic and fiscal pain, after in many cases years of faithful service, it was nauseating to read about how the Wilson administration found jobs and salary increases for former political aides from the staff of his failed presidential bid.

This is not consistent with the administration’s existing policy of cuts to public service and education, proposed wage cuts to state construction workers and denying cost-of-living increases to state workers. So much for the fiscal responsibility of this administration, when the jobs and salary increases will cost the taxpayer annually $1.3 million.

JOHN CREASE

Huntington Beach

* On March 3, you ran an article “Wilson, Allies Seek to Make Cuts in Welfare Benefits Permanent.” A week later, Wilson’s political appointees who ran his ill-fated run for president were given raises averaging 32%. The aged and disabled have to pay rent and eat on $626 a month.

Our governor is all heart. I guess we all have our priorities.

BARBARA JOANIDES

Rancho Palos Verdes

* As a business owner, I am surprised that anyone would complain about filling jobs with qualified, proven applicants. What the author of “Do as I Say, Not as I Do” (editorial, March 12) misses is that Wilson hasn’t “pad(ded) the payroll,” but rather filled vacant job positions with workers from whom he has experienced not only loyalty, but results. This isn’t a “political payoff,” but instead a wise business decision and thus a positive decision for the state. Wilson is indeed following his own dictate to “lead by example” by hiring those who are already tried and tested; hardly a cause for taxpayer complaint.

The author should be reminded that the “public payroll” is substantially lower than that of the private sector. The state is reaping the benefits of qualified employees who are willing to take a lower pay rate in the name of public service.

NETTIE BECKER

Beverly Hills