By Staff
To the editor:
In the news on March 16th, the more-than-necessary judges' pay raises hit a stump! Now, it takes no Philadelphia lawyer to figure out that they are now about to put themselves out of business. How so? The layoff of 350 employees who prepare the work in a proper manner so that the courts can operate. We hear over and over how the courts are overloaded, so to dismiss people who do the work for the judges is a gross injustice to the people who have cases pending before the courts and their attorneys.
If we have not the funds to pay the judges' assistants, then it makes sense to reduce the judges' heavy pay scales. it is simply a matter of living above our means. After all, nobody forced the judges to run for office in the first place. Any legislator who has ideas of raising taxes to pay for overpaid judges can for sure kiss his or her political careers good-bye.
Any increase in fees of any sort will be a noose around their political necks. With all the new technology that has been placed at their disposal, the legislature should have known better. The ability of the voters of Alabama has this all figured out. This is within the hope that they might one day become one of these judges. Rank selfishness indeed! They didn't care about the people of the state and cared only for themselves and a handful of their buddies.
What they have created is not only a great burden on the taxpayers but is now an insult on the court employees and the people of Alabama. The sheriffs, police and public safety personnel have good reason to be highly indignant to see judges paid higher than any others in the nation while their departments go without. The Department of Corrections personnel in Alabama who are charged with carrying out the orders of the courts are being snubbed by the very judges who are handing down orders. Also, civil actions are very much being neglected with some cases dragging on for as much as six to eight years. This is not justice! By the way, if the state officials desire to force binding arbitration upon the people, then why do we need all of the judges and their high priced salaries and expenses?
As a citizen, you have a right to let your feelings be known on this matter. Speak up! It's your right.! Speak up or be taxed up – again and again and again.
Sincerely,
Maston M. Mims Jr.
Former State Senator