THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 4, 1995 TAG: 9501040010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 27 lines
As the editorial ``Savings at what cost?'' (Dec. 29) implies, employee layoffs are an unpopular way to reduce government spending. Layoffs would increase the already bloated welfare rolls. A more reasonable approach would be to retain the employees but bring their salaries and benefits more in line with those of the private sector.
The average John and Jane Doe worker has seen wages erode and benefits evaporate. How many of us enjoy guaranteed salary increases, bonuses, cost-of-living adjustments and generous medical and retirement benefits?
Those in public service should not have a standard of living well above that of those they serve. Local and federal budget cutters could also consider a similar cost-reducing approach. Layoffs only add to the problem.
GEORGE WALSH
Virginia Beach, Dec. 30, 1994 by CNB