It seems that a year doesn't go without an independent commissioner appointed to deal with the thorny issue of MLA pay. This year is no exception.

The commissioner, Michael Werier, has invited the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), other "interested" organizations and members of the public to provide input regarding the issue of giving Manitoba MLAs a raise. There doesn't seem to be any plans to bring in gold-plated pensions like they have in BC - but if that issue arises, the CTF will fight it tooth and nail!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the CTF plans on telling the new commissioner the same thing we told the previous one: MLA compensation should be adjusted annually according to the Average Weekly Earnings of Manitobans. Simply put, if our economy is doing well, so too would our politicians. And if the economy isn't doing so well, those same politician would feel the pinch like everyone else.

Currently, Manitoba MLAs receive a base income of $75,000, the premier receives $125,000 and there are additional salaries given for cabinet ministers, leader of the opposition, committee duties, travel and meal allowances.

When dealing with political compensation, the goal is to strike the right balance between the appropriate and reasonable use of tax dollars and the ability to recruit qualified candidates.

It's often argued, when MLA salaries are reviewed, that if taxpayers pay too little the position will only attract candidates who only seek power, or worse who will supplement income through graft. Conversely, it's suggested that paying politicians too much will recruit candidates who are only involved for personal financial gain, and not the general well-being of the taxpaying public.

Realistically, taxpayers cannot afford to provide "executive level" compensation to MLAs, but traditionally that hasn't stopped high profile individuals from seeking office.

Instead, the call to civic duty still brings many candidates into public life. One example includes Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams - a multi-millionaire. MLA compensation would exceed $1 million annually to regularly attract candidates such as him.

At what point did current politicians sitting around a table say 'we need to attract some better candidates '

Instead, factors other than money motivate people to enter public life. There are intangible benefits such as influence, power, recognition and even celebrity. These are over and above the altruistic motivation to provide leadership for the benefit of the province.

Comparing MLA salaries between provinces is of little value because each province has its own priorities, philosophical approaches and circumstances. In the State of New Hampshire, for example, State Representatives are paid $100 per year. The New Hampshire approach is that State Representatives should maintain careers outside of politics to remain more connected with the realities of their constituents.

Manitoba has consistently been one of the more affordable places to live - particularly with all of the cheap Hydro and insurance rates the government keeps telling us about!

The commissioner wants to hear from you - a simple e-mail will get your voice heard. Visit www.reviewcommissioner.mb.ca and let him know that fair wages for politicians should be based on fair wages for Manitobans.