Know Your Payroll

You really can find everything on the internet nowadays. While checking the website for the Times Herald Record, I found a comprehensive report analyzing public salaries in the Hudson Valley. Although a subject I might usually find ho-hum, I checked it out due to the economic dutch oven the world is caught in, despite the government passing multi-billion dollar bailout legislation. Also, my dad happens to have a state job so I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about. There was a series of reports which, using the raw data of the salaries of public servants, analyzed teachers pay, myths of government jobs, inconsistencies, and more. And (drum roll please) who makes the most? None other then SUNY New Paltz President Steven Polkanzer, who in 2007 made $230,000, up from $165,000 in 2003 according to this Times Herald Record article. Although my automatic assumption was to think there was something wrong, this article does point out our new gym, status as a hot state school, and more full time faculty since he was apointed. Finally, get ready to spell those last names correctly as you play "Find the Salary!" With this handy-dandy application you can find the pay of many state workers in the Hudson Valley, if one were so inclined. Just hit the search tab and learn if your favorite teacher is paying for a trip to Cabo! In the interests of fair play, Will Hermes was not listed, so you can breath easy although I did find this picture of him praying I wouldn't find this picture. I think this article is extremely invaluable. Not only can the public check where there taxes are going, but you can access it in an easy to comprehend way. Although it's not completely comprehensive, it promotes accountability in our public sphere and articles dealing with specific issues relating to this. That'll do record, that'll do.