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Page 6, THE MEDFIELD PRESS, March 26, 2009

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THE MEDFIELD PRESS

OPINION EDITORIAL

Tone deaf on Beacon Hill

The more economically insecure Americans feel, the more they resent seeing undeserving people, whether on the public, private or nonprofit payroll, rewarded with fat checks. Thus the growing roars of outrage over bonuses at AIG, swindles on Wall Street and patronage on Beacon Hill where, unfortunately, some elected leaders are too tone-deaf to hear. A report last week shows a growing number of companies in corporate America are freezing salaries, reducing bonus pools and considering rules that would give stockholders more say on pay. A similar shift is emerging among nonprofits, where consultants who devise standards for executive compensation say salaries will be subject to far closer scrutiny. The median CEO salary at the nation’s largest nonprofits in 2008 was $326,500, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Executives at nonprofit hospitals came under fire recently after an IRS survey found many - including those in our area - earn $500,000 a year on average. Many of these people are highly qualified and do challenging, pressure-filled jobs. Market forces should play a role in figuring their salary. But the IRS was justified when it recently revised its form 990 - which nonprofits must file annually - to require more details on executive pay. We are also encouraged to hear from Wellesley compensation consultant Lindalee Lawrence that nonprofit boards nationwide are starting to restrain compensation. The one place where the salary orgy continues unchecked is Beacon Hill. Among the stories coming out of the state capitol this week: • State Sen. Marian Walsh is handed a $175,000 state job that had been vacant for a 12 years. • Transportation Secretary James Aloisi’s sister Carol was assigned to an empty State House office for six months, collecting a $60,000 salary as a chief of a nonexistent staff. • Two sheriffs in the state’s quietest counties got $26,000 raises that put their salaries at $123,000. Gov. Deval Patrick, who has a history of misreading the political power of even small symbols of government waste, dismissed complaints about these actions as “trivial.” But the outrage is real, and a serious threat to Beacon Hill’s ability muster the public support Patrick and his colleagues need to succeed. These protests should be heeded, not dismissed. The more economically insecure Americans feel, the more they resent seeing undeserving people, whether on the public, private or nonprofit payroll, rewarded with fat checks. Thus the growing roars of outrage over bonuses at AIG, swindles on Wall Street and patronage on Beacon Hill where, unfortunately, some elected leaders are too tone-deaf to hear. A report last week shows a growing number of companies in corporate America are freezing salaries, reducing bonus pools and considering rules that would give stockholders more say on pay. A similar shift is emerging among nonprofits, where consultants who devise standards for executive compensation say salaries will be subject to far closer scrutiny. The median CEO salary at the nation’s largest nonprofits in 2008 was $326,500, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Executives at nonprofit hospitals came under fire recently after an IRS survey found many - including those in our area - earn $500,000 a year on average. Many of these people are highly qualified and do challenging, pressure-filled jobs. Market forces should play a role in figuring their salary. But the IRS was justified when it recently revised its form 990 - which nonprofits must file annually - to require more details on executive pay. We are also encouraged to hear from Wellesley compensation consultant Lindalee Lawrence that nonprofit boards nationwide are starting to restrain compensation. The one place where the salary orgy continues unchecked is Beacon Hill. Among the stories coming out of the state capitol this week: • State Sen. Marian Walsh is handed a $175,000 state job that had been vacant for a 12 years. • Transportation Secretary James Aloisi’s sister Carol was assigned to an empty State House office for six months, collecting a $60,000 salary as a chief of a nonexistent staff. • Two sheriffs in the state’s quietest counties got $26,000 raises that put their salaries at $123,000. Gov. Deval Patrick, who has a history of misreading the political power of even small symbols of government waste, dismissed complaints about these actions as “trivial.” But the outrage is real, and a serious threat to Beacon Hill’s ability muster the public support Patrick and his colleagues need to succeed. These protests should be heeded, not dismissed.

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TROOP 89 PLANS REUNION Boy Scout Troop 89 Medfield is 50 years old. Whether you remember summer camp at Camp Child or Camp Squanto, hiking the White Mountains or canoeing the Charles, skiing at Mt. Abram or skating at Rocky Woods, come share your memories with fellow Troop 89 alumni and families at our anniversary celebration. The Troop is planning a picnic at Rocky Woods Reservation in Medfield on June 27. We are currently compiling a mailing list of Troop 89 alumni. Invitations will be sent out in late April. If you belonged to the Troop or know a Scout who did, please send an email or mailing address to [email protected] or drop a line to Troop 89 Anniversary, 32 Eastmount Rd, Medfield, MA 02052.

AT I S S U E : D E B O R A H K E L S E Y, L I B R A RY D I R E C T O R

Medfield Public Library aims to draw more young people’s interest Q. P.

Why it matters

School aged children comprise about one quarter of the population of Medfield. They are important members of the community who have unique social, recreational, educational and vocational needs that should be partially met through traditional and nontraditional public library services.

Q. P.

How should we tackle the problem?

Librarian Jean Todesca has been reassigned to serve middle and high school students. She is developing and expanding the library’s young adult services to include: Youth advisory board, Assets and needs assessment with consideration given to: Infrastructure, both physical and virtual, Funding, Staff, Potential partners for collaboration, programs and services, information and resources, collection development based on young adult input, responsive programming and services, mentoring of youth, advocacy and public awareness, and outreach. Jean has begun to work with the local preschools and the middle and high school

teachers and librarians on curriculum support, programs, and volunteer opportunities for adolescents. She attends the monthly meetings of The Medfield Youth Community Collaborative (MYCC). Jean initiated the successful mid-term study hours at the library and the middle school scavenger hunt for the early release day this week. Both of these programs were suggested by the participants and supported by the Friends of the Library. The Trustees of the Library have modified several policies to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for adolescents. Food and beverages are allowed in some areas. Cell phones may be used in the library, if they are silenced. Young adults may use the small study rooms and the larger conference, program and meeting rooms.

Q. P.

Who would benefit?

Everyone benefits, especially downtown businesses, public safety officials, parents and the youth themselves, when youth are engaged and supported in age appropriate programs and services provided by library staff in a safe, comfortable, and inviting environment.

Q. P.

Why is this the best approach?

Teens want to feel respected, empowered and heard, just as we all do. The library staff is as committed to serving youth as it is to serving younger children, adults and seniors. Teens are providing suggestions and we are responding. What should the next step be?

Q. P.

The library is engaged in a long range planning process this spring with three high school students serving on the planning committee of nine. We are seeking feedback through an online survey, focus groups, interviews and free response questions posted in the library. As a result of this process the resources of the library will be apportioned more equitably to meet the needs of the residents. We will seek alternative funding for programs, refreshments, equipment and software to support the daily recreational and educational needs of youth. The library would like to establish a comfortable place for adolescents to hang out, play, and study at the library without disrupting other users. We are considering adjusting the hours to better meet the needs of students.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Abecunas: Please help during World Vision fundraiser TO THE EDITOR: I am a member of the United Church of Christ and am participating in the 30 Hour Famine fundraiser for World Vision which helps to feed children in Africa. About 14,000 children die each day due to starvation. I will be fasting for 30 hours with the Senior High Fellowship students at the end of this month. $30 donations will help feed a child for an entire month however, any amount would be appreciated. My personal goal is to raise $750. I know this is a difficult time considering the economy, but these types of organizations are finding it extremely tough. If you would like to help with your tax deductible donation please send a check made out to World Vision to: Lee Abecunas 8 Lee Rd Medfield, MA 02052 If you prefer you can drop it off

at the UCC with my name on with 16 years of inaction by Rethe envelope. The deadline is publican governors”, sadly a view March 27. no doubt shared by many of her comrades. Lee Abecunas Perhaps Rep. Hogan and the Medfield rest of the apparently impotent party should “do the Allen: State republicans ruling math”. Democrats enjoyed a unfairly criticized more than simple majority on Beacon Hill every one of those TO THE EDITOR: Regarding the Medfield Press years, and more importantly a article printed March 6: “GOP veto-proof majority for most, if lawmakers blast Patrick’s toll not all of those years. A stuffed animal could have ochike, gas tax,” by Rosemary cupied the Governors Office for D’Amour - GOP Lawmakers…? those 16 years, and positive That term stopped applying change could have been made to long ago. Democrats currently enjoy an 89 percent majority in happen by the state legislature. the Massachusetts House of Rep- Yet the rock-solid democratic dyr e s e n t a t i v e s nasty in Massachusetts continues (http://www.mass.gov/legis/repdi to blame one relatively powerless s03.htm), and 88 percent in the position for the current state of State Senate affairs. This attitude from elected offi(http://www.mass.gov/legis/mem cials just further condones the menus.htm). And of course 100 percent democratic representa- “not my fault” attitude that is pertion at the federal level in con- meating current society. When gress for as long as anyone can re- something bad happens, we point fingers, we litigate, all the while member. It is even further disenfranchis- casting a net of blamelessness ing to read that Kate Hogan (D- around ourselves. Even to the Bolton) had the arrogance to point where accidents become state that “We’re now dealing viewed as economic opportuni-

ties. But we never ever admit or accept even a shred of accountability. Ultimately, we all pay a high price for the continued inattention to this problem. Yet we all continue to vote for the same political philosophy, year after year. So continue to believe that nothing is ever one’s own fault, always blame others when something goes wrong, and always makes sure there are D’s across the board. How sadly ironic that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which prides itself on diversity, tolerance, acceptance, and being at the forefront of national social change, continues to abhor anything but political homogenization and conformity. Perhaps Rep. Hogan should consider that if nothing good came out 16 years of GOP administration, even with a vetoproof Democratic legislature, perhaps the Legislature as a whole is not needed. Matt Allen Causeway Street Medfield