May 7, 2008 7:19 am US/Eastern
Newton Mayor Wants Big Raise During Budget Crunch
NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ) ―
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David Cohen (file image)
WBZ
Newton Mayor David Cohen is raising eyebrows by reportedly seeking a 28 percent pay hike -- while at the same time asking residents to approve a $12 million property tax increase.
Cohen's proposed budget would raise the mayor's salary from $97,876 to $125,482, according to the Boston Globe.
The mayor has not had a pay increase since he was first elected 10 years ago. In 2005, aldermen authorized Cohen to increase his salary to $125,000, but he declined.
Cohen warned Monday of major service cuts, including a possible reduction in the city's police force, unless voters approved the Proposition 2 1/2 override.
Supporters and opponents of the override are questioning the timing of the salary request.
Cohen has also come under fire for the $197.5 million price tag for a new Newton North High School, the most expensive school project in state history.
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