The current compensation system for Congresspeople is a JOKE. What monetary incentive is there for a talented and educated official to run for office? Once in office will there be some temptation to do something corrupt as a result of a lack of pay?
For example, lets say a very talented and well educated businessperson or attorney decides not to run because they feel the $173000 a year is simply not enough. If you were making a million a year would you run for a position which makes $173000?
We get what we pay for and look at what we have now? Congresspeople along with the President should get paid based on how well the country grows. If the country does not grow, goes into a recession or there is a panic then maybe they shouldnt get paid at all. On the other hand, if the country does very well as a whole then maybe they should get a bonus.
Singapore is a nation with a 1.1 % unemployment rate. The economy is ON FIRE over there. Both the Prime Minister and President make well north of $1 million. In fact, many Americans have moved to Singapore to find jobs.
http://www.tremeritus.com/...
If you want to get rid of incompetent leaders then you need to give some incentive for others to run or what you end up with is what you have now...
I know there will be plenty here who disagree with me saying they dont deserve a raise...just ask yourself how you are going to attract and retain top talent with the current system of compensation? How are you going to stop corruption?