It’s no wonder there are problems in this damned city.

I grew up in the North End, James & Burlington. I’ve seen quite the changes over the last 40 some-odd years. I see some of the hugest potential of any city sitting right at my doorstep……real estate, employment, creativity, all the makings of a great city and place to live.

But there is a problem and as always, it boils down to self-serving politicians(and that means people who are political in nature, not necessarily those who are political by appointment). The world is going through some pretty big growing pains right now and I believe it’s for the better. People need to be starving before someone’s sheltered world view is awakened. People need to be bombed before others realize that it’s really is a bad idea. And now we have people who get paid stupid sums of money for really joe jobs compared to the bigger world of business.

Now given the current economy, a newspaper article with the title “Wages doubled for some bosses” should be A CLUE. Let’s list some of the facts shall we?

Hamilton Health Sciences president and CEO – Murray T Martin.  In 1999 the position paid $339,000.  Our buddy Murray joined in 2001 and as of last year his pay was $705,811.69.  For those who need the math done, that is an increase of 108%!  When was the last time any job you worked hard at, grew (at the expense of your clients) and more than doubled your salary?

Let’s look at what’s going on:

Ontario has already lost 56% of the number of hospital beds per capita since 1990. The Ontario Hospital Association has not calculated recent cuts. Still, Toronto East General Hospital cut its physiotherapy, pain, audiology and cardiac rehabilitation clinics. Hamilton Health Sciences Centre will perform 1,200 fewer surgeries next year and cut 140 jobs, along with closing 50 beds — and these are only a few examples of the effects of cuts.

Fewer surgeries??  I’m pretty sure that the $366,811.69 increase in Mr. Martin’s pay would help get a few more surgeries and supplies needed…..

St Joseph’s Health Care president and CEO – Dr Kevin P. D. Smith.  In 1999 the position paid $311,079.47 and as of last year he raked in a whopping $704,016.11.  That’s 126% increase.  How you like dem apples?  Need I quote the above cutbacks again?

McMaster president – Peter J George.  In 1999 his position paid $240,499 and last year he was making a handsome $536,474.  123% increase.  A nice little quote from his page “He was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University, on July 1, 1995.”  I wonder if he voted ‘yes’ on raising his pay every year for 10 years?  Wouldn’t you love that ability?  What is also interesting is that he is being replaced this year.  I’m pretty sure his retirement package will be more than 90% of what Hamiltonians make after 15 years of service any where….

I can hear the cries of my accusations now.  ”They work for that pay.  They are responsible for hundreds of thousands people every year.  They have done all kinds of good for Hamilton.”  Yeah, like sinking millions into renovations and making things look pretty.  ”But if the position doesn’t pay, there’ll be lesser talent running the place and if it doesn’t look good there’ll be less people willing to get help.”  What??  You telling me that Mr George would not be happy with only $300,000 for running a university?  Seriously?

I wonder if any of these places Boards look at the real world.  Ever heard of Google? How about CEO Eric Schmidt?  Do you know how much that little company made last year?  $4,265,430,000,000.  That’s profit AFTER expenses (and yes the number of zeroes are correct).  Do you think he isn’t responsible for influencing the lives of BILLIONS?  How much do you think he makes? Surprise, he just CUT HIS PAY IN HALF to $245,322 (USD).   Something else you should know.  There were two guys who founded the company, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.  These are the two brains behind that which is Google.  Can you take a wild guess at their salaries?  I bet you won’t even come close.  $1.00.  Yes, the number of zeroes are period are correct.  This would ALSO BE A CLUE  And guess what?  They’ve been making that for the last 5 years!  Guess who else makes a whole whopping $1 salary?  Steve Jobs.  You know, that guy who started that little fruit company called Apple.  There’s a whole list of such people.  That’s not to say they don’t make money in other ways related to their company, we’re talking salary here while the list of local money-bucks do include some taxable-benefits.  Regardless, their pay is way out of line.

So, the next time you are sitting at McMaster waiting for hours for your child to see a doctor in emergency, keep in mind how well the ruling body of the HHS thinks the CEO is doing and his $700,000+ salary.  I’m sure you’ll find it comforting.