GovernmentExecutive.com

Come on folks, let's not take any more shots at Mitt -- look at the "civil servants" he came up against as Governor -- SES's all. The public/private debate was put to bed by the Pay Comparability Act of 1990. Twenty years and three commissions determined that we do not receive equal pay for similar work. Unfortunately, Bill Clinton subverted that beyond all recognition after it kicked in in 1994. I lived through it -- in some years, we received no locality pay. Other years, we received locality pay, but no cost of living allowance. NOBODY ever came close to parity. Republicans may kick us around, but the Dems will kick us around and expect us to like it!

24 years and still working for Uncle  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  02:14 PM

---

Happens that I agree with Mitt. I came to government service, not so much for the pay but for the much easier work schedule. I've since made up the pay difference so now have the best of both worlds. GS employees tend to look at the hourly wage as compared to their private industry counterparts but most would not want to compare the whole package. Factor in the retirement, vacation, sick leave, flexable schedules, salary match on TSP, training opportunities, and the many other benifits and the government looks mighty good.

Dennis  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  01:18 PM

---

Dear Willard,

If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered federal service because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.

And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my job be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.

Therefore, I will retire... when you do.

Joe  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  01:00 PM

---

Other than the remarks about us civil servants, I thought the speech was great and dead on. Face it folks, be it Democrat or Republican, we're going to get the short end of the stick...neither will do anything to make our entitlements better.

FInance Guy  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  10:44 AM

---

Good Job, Tom. Taking Romney's quote out of context was the right thing to do. Your check is in the mail.

DNC  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  09:49 AM

---

Mr. Romney needs to come work at my command for a day - he wouldn't last any longer than that, doing what we do for what little pay/benefits we receive! Private sector may pay less in smaller geographic areas (towns, counties), but in larger cities private sector surpasses gov't salaries and benefits. If senators and congressmen want to trim costs, they need to begin with their own salaries and benefits. Since they determine gov't salaries and benefits, then they need to make their own salaries and benefits = to those of GS or NSPS employees - then we (yes, 30 years and counting for me!) may see more equal pay for equal work (with private sector). They also keep messing with the "formulas" to determine retirement benefits - take those formulas back 35 years and see what a retirement annuity will look like today! Then eliminate windfalls = to private sector, and cut taxes on top of it, and we (and our children) may be able to feel a little comfort in our retirement...

CJ  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  08:34 AM

---

My, oh my, didn't he hit a sore subject!... I, too, am a Government employee and unfortunately I must tell all the poor offended souls who took great exception to Mr. Romney's remark that it was not entirely out in left field. I am a human resources specialist who spent many, many years in management employee relations and regrettably, for every hard-working, creative, innovative, dedicated and productive Government employee, there is one who is exactly the opposite. And when you who now lash back at Mr. Romney honestly ponder the issue and reflect, can you really, truthfully not think of a handful of bureaucrats you know? See there!

DA HR Professional  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  07:38 AM

---

I just thought I'd point out that none of the present candidates has any idea what it takes to operate the federal government. They have stated they intend to either cut the contractor workforce (Clinton, by 500K) or the federal workforce (McCain, by anybodys guess). Its clear Romney has no clue as to the required cost of governmental operations, but its obvious none of the other candidates do either.

Veteran  | Monday, February 11, 2008 |  06:44 AM

---

Dear Mit,

You Jackass, I first voted for Ronald Reagan in 1979. I consider myself a Reagan Republican to this day. You sir are no Ronald Reagan. He had more class in his little finger than you have in your entire spoiled, rotten, greedy body. You sir are ill informed, took a cheap shot, and need to apologize to the entire, United States Government. Please check the salary cap. It is the rich politicians who are destroying the country, not Federal workers, who work hard every day just to keep things together. It is elitist attitudes such as yours which will surely be the ruination of the Republican party. By the way, the President is a Civil Servant too.

GC in TX  | Sunday, February 10, 2008 |  11:23 AM

---

I hope your hamster is 35 years old or the equivalent in hamster age. I'll vote for him for President. He can run on the round steal treadmill in his cage all day long. He gets Fed peanuts. Those over him can do what they want but still expect him to run until he drops. He is highly qualified for the job. Whoa! Hey! Most of us federal workers are qualified to be president too. Vote for Me, Me or Me.

Hamster for President!  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  03:57 PM

---

It is always the same. The republicans claim government is broken. The they take control and prove it.

Andrew  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  01:54 PM

---

Thank God that you are no longer a candidate. You are completely uninformed as is typically the case with politicians.

John B  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  01:48 PM

---

I have worked for the Federal government,
specifically the Navy, since I was 18 years old. I will be 60 next week. I spent 4 years in the Navy, stayed in the Naval Reserve and went to college on the GI Bill. I then took a position as an Engineer working for the Navy helpeing ensure our war fighting capability is the best there is. I have performed this task at a considerable pay loss compared to my couter parts in private industry. I am incensed and enraged that Mr. Romney can blame the countries problems on the hardest working, most dedicated group of people I will ever know. A fellow poster is correct, a hamster knows more about the government and properly performing as President than Mr. Romney

Raymond Cobb  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  01:00 PM

---

As usual the truth hurts, the government has never been a repository for the best and the brightest but rather folks adverse to risk, initative and hard work. Its unfortunate that when its pointed out people take offense

dan ketter  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  12:21 PM

---

Can you imagine what happens to an economy where the best opportunities are for bureaucrats? Duh, maybe government will be able to attract and retain the best and the brightest candidates available for government service, as well as provide better "customer service" to the public and industry. I work for an agency that has a "positive education" requirement: if you have a degree, you can work at a starting grade of GS-5 or GS-7, a grade that many secretaries often earn here in the DC area. McDonald's hamburger corporate pays more for their managers than we do for our educated inspectors. Guess you can sling paper work for the burger joint, not have a degree, and make more dough. Thank you, Mr. Mitt Witt.

Deborah  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:58 AM

---

I think the end part of the clipping is likely the most telling: "It’s high time to lower taxes, including corporate taxes, to take a weed-whacker to government regulations, to reform entitlements, and to stand up to the increasingly voracious appetite of the unions in our government!" Time to lower corporate taxes? Would that be a call to "go easy on me" when Romney goes back to his business of making millions once again? Of course he'd like to see corporate taxes lowered. That would just mean more money in his collective pockets.

Spoken like a true-blue (excuse me...true-red) Republican, at least if the last eight years of Bush rule in allowing business' to run rampant over the everyday citizen has been any indicator.

Tigerhawk  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:56 AM

---

Comments such as these make my head ache. What is even worse, other presidential contenders (McCain) will pick up Mitt's mantra and spout it about to garnish more votes. And it will probably work. I have worked with the federal government for almost 30 years, and proud of it. Do we need to change the way we do "business" in government? Certainly. But I truly believe what we all earn is a wise investment by Americans, for Americans, and for those least able to help or protect themselves.

John  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:47 AM

---

Mr. McClanahan, I was right there with you until “Government workers execute the orders of the President and enforce the laws of Congress.” Thank you for such a concise and correct comment but I would appreciate consideration for an amendment to your statement above: “Government workers support and execute Constitutional requirements, orders of the President, enforce the laws of Congress, and support the people of these United States.”

This may seem trivial to some but if we do not include our responsibility for upholding the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; we might be disavowing our oath of office as Alberto Gonzales did several times in writing against the Writ of Habeas Corpus, circumvention of the right to privacy and the 5th Amendment during unauthorized unwarrantd DOJ and NSA wiretapping, the establishment of US detention camps outside the legal jurisdiction of US Law, and several other incidences. This administration has consistently followed a pattern of personal loyalty over personal responsibility.

It is just this very set of responsibilities that set us apart from our fellow citizens; and the lack of understanding by the general public that puts us at risk from and in the crosshairs of the politicians.

Tip Off  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:35 AM

---

As the former governor of Taxachusetts, I wonder if his parting comment expressed actual concern or sour grapes. After all, he just spent several millions of his personal dollars just to find out that his political party didn't think him worthy of higher office.

MH Nason  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:10 AM

---

Romney is a moron who doesn't have a clue about fair pay standards. Obviously, Bush doesn't either. I work in private industry and I've always made a lot more money than my federal counterparts and to tell you the truth...they do a lot more work! I have better overall benefits and more vacation time so there isn't anything that's even close to being fair. No one wants to work for the federal government anymore. It's a good thing for the country that Romney dropped out...just remember his stupidity in case he ever runs again.

DT  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:04 AM

---

Mr. Romney--You should consider the fact that years ago it was considered an honor to be a civil servant. Having once been one for almost two decades, I can say it is no longer the case, because of individuals like you. This comment is surprising to me since it comes from the mouth of an individual who was born, raised, and made his fortune sucking on the tip of the American government.

John Burke  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:03 AM

---

I am a federal employee. My boss left almost 4 years ago - and they still haven't replaced her. I have been performing many of her higher-graded duties and assumed much more responsibility but received no temporary promotion and am at a lower grade than her. The Government is saving a lot of money by instituting a long freeze on hiring--they don't have to replace people--just add the work on someone else. My friend in private industry receives a $10,000 bonus each year; I received an Excellent rating last year -received a few hundred dollars in my check -then they took it back because of some kind of legal glitch from me and others in my agency. Making more money than private industry - I DON't THINK SO!

Kathy Stratford  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  11:02 AM

---

I've been in the Govt. for 26 yrs. and can't get past the GS-11 level with a Master's degree in Computer Systems and I KNOW FOR A FACT, I DO NOT MAKE MORE MONEY THAN PRIVATE INDUSTRY but I do have golden handcuffs on for a retirement pension that I've spent too long paying into. There is only a handful of Government employees making more than private industry and they are sitting in Washington D.C. OR at the SES levels.

MKH-L  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  10:58 AM

---

It would be nice to work for a President that actually had some appreciation for all of his staff. It is difficult to support an administration that shows neither loyality nor respect for those working to support him/her.

JLB  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  10:57 AM

---

It seems to me that no one in Government can ever make as much money as Mr. Romney made as a venture capitalist. The opportunities in the Government are meant for the best and the brightest, not the greediest.

Mr. Romney, it’s exactly your wrong headed idealistic philosophy, accompanied by your vitriolic rhetoric that let to your early departure from the primary.

Hasta la vista!

US  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  10:57 AM

---

Mit seems to be pandering to the lost common denominator which, in his opinion, seems to be the government-hating public. To use such hate tactics tells me he would have been a manipulative president, spreading disinformation, divisive in his divide-and-conquer tactics.

No thank you, eight years were enough.

Tip Off  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  10:28 AM

---

Mr Romney, Ask the family of Border Patrol Agent Aguilar, who died in the line of duty recently, whether they believe the "best oppportunities are for bureaucreats."

Smitty  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:52 AM

---

what a typical idiotic statement from another out of touch idiot. why is it that Gov't workers are always "singled out or picke on" by our own leaders? i'm a long term (25 years)mid level (GS-7)government employee. I may make more than the kids flipping burgers. What drives most of us to work for low wages and at the whim of fools like Mitt is our caring nature and desire to make our country a little better. Sure, some make more than the private sector and some should NOT be working for the Gov't. But remember this, it is against the law for a Federal worker to make more than what a person in the Private sector makes for doing a "like" job.

paul  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:46 AM

---

Mr. Romney's comment goes to show that he is just another politician who doesn't want learn about the government, and the people of the government he wishes to run. This comment shows the he is only to willing to blame the problems of the country on some "group of people" that he doesn't belong toso he doesn't have to be responsible for his share of the problem. The words stereotype and scapegoat come to mind.

It's always fashionable to bash the government workers but let their be an emergency and those same workers are expected to come the rescue of the very people who complain about them.

Government workers execute the orders of the President and enforce the laws of Congress. Need to look to that leadership for the source of many problems.

John McClanahan  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:41 AM

---

Last time I checked, the average Government employee was way behind private sector, in spite of the law requiring pay comparability...recall that Bush had to act on pay increases a few months ago to prevent the required 12% increase from being enacted...

Ifly2  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:38 AM

---

Although I don't support the Mitt-man, if all of you who complain about how much you "don't" make compared to your counterparts in the private sector - then why don't you defect and go to the "dark side"?? I think your "golden handcuffs" are just a little too tight. I've been on both sides and took a pay cut to come back into the Fed fold - because I believe in what I do and you can't put a price tag on that.

Thou complainest too much  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:38 AM

---

Romney was a joke then and an even bigger joke now! Sour grapes from a man who is no longer in the running for the top spot and free government housing while the rest of us working stiffs are struggling to keep out of foreclosure. Good riddance!!

KAPB  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:24 AM

---

Mr. Romney,

I am enthralled that you dropped out of the presidential race. When you reference the "bureaucrats" being overpaid, and reform entitlements, you are no doubt referring to our leaders in government such as our Congressmen. Our government employees and soldiers are not making more money than private sector.Government contractors are raking in the money hand over fist due to "special" treatment from Americas' leaders. Don't confuse the government worker with the contractors! You are so out of touch you frighten me and must have frightened other people as well. So thank you for dropping out of the race and giving someone with practical sense a chance.

Marta Hawotte  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:17 AM

---

Mitt Romney is just the latest in a line of Republican president wannabes whose natural inclination is to be what was once known as a Rockefeller Republican, but who realizes that approach won't work now, and so does a conservative-pandering kabuki dance, pretending to be what he's not.

Pete DuPont did the same thing in 1988.

Feh.

Boston  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  09:16 AM

---

Yes sometimes we make more money re: salary. However, the playing field is a bit sloped every year. My friends at private sector firms who are the equivalent of my government management level make similar salaries. However, when I am thankful for a small bonus, they are being awarded future compensation (stock options) and getting 5 figure bonus checks.

GOV Joe  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:50 AM

---

I believe it's the Senators and Congress who, if they don't vote against it, automatically get a raise. A hefty one too!! The working stiffs, have to beg for 2.9%. Good riddens Romney, take a few more liars and self servers with ya!

Ron  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:20 AM

---

Actually, Mr. Romney, you are absolutely correct. As a GS-12 in government service, I DO make more money that some in the private sector - for instance, I make more money than the Food Service employee at McDonalds! Since my grandson is an assistant manager at Pizza Hut, I can tell you that I make less than he does, though. It pleases me no end to have had someone in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination who has "experience" working in the private sector - too bad your emphasis was on "in the private sector" and not on "working". You obviously don't have a CLUE about the private sector below the CEO level!

Larry R. Doane  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:13 AM

---

Mr. Romney, I am a government worker with a sister who works at a private company. I do make more money than she does on the hour BUT she gets incentives that rack up another $5,000 a year. Plus, she pays nothing for her health insurance and gets vision and dental for free. I may make more than the greeter at Walmart but I do have skills necessary for this job. If I had been thinking of voting for you, that was a passing thought now. I am sure that low blow ruined your chances with other govrnment voters as well.

Myrna Speer  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:07 AM

---

The ideology that private sector is the only answer to a modern economy and societal structure has long been thrown out with the bath water.

Leave the working of the commons and the flow of the economy to private corporations and you get stock market crashes, wars, and inflated housing market - and banking fraud. Time and time again - the private sector proves they do not have the best interest of the whole of society but the short term short sided profit for the P&L.

Thank you Government workers - I know it is a thankless job sometimes but I am always impressed with the level of professionalism and focus when dealing with the majority of federal employees.

I am in the private sector.

Tool - and going down in flames  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:06 AM

---

Maybe at the economic level Mr. Romney associates they make more. Us peasants out here in the field activities make a lot less than a comparable private sector position. So now Mr. Romey can go back into his castle and whine about his inability to grab more power.

Steve Chizar  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  08:05 AM

---

Yes...What's Wrong With You asking Mr. Romney how in the world can he attack a government's workers pay when hundreds of thousands of contractors working for the Federal government are making a heck of a lot more than any government employee. Please answer this question Mr. Romney.

WWWU  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  07:48 AM

---

Watch out America. That is what Republicans really believe......scary.

Jim B  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  07:47 AM

---

Mr. Romney doesn't seem to understand that not everyone in government is a bureaucrat. He is forgetting about the people who process retirement and disability claims, investigate crimes, keep our country safe, deliver our mail, and so on. For someone to be running for President of the United States of American to not know these things solidifies my belief that he wasn't qualified to do the job.

Anonymous  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  07:30 AM

---

What a stupid thing to say. Can we imagine someone in the Whitehouse worse than Bush? --- Well it won't be Romney. A rich, sore looser - you can now go stomp your feet Mit.

Mike S  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  07:21 AM

---

Nice shot Mr. Romney, based on who's analysis of what data? I'll go along with reducing taxes and regulations and the 100% complete elimination of P-O-R-K but, cite the source of your ill-informed comments.

mike  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  04:16 AM

---

Mr. Romney, with your departure I am a little closer to being able to return to the Republican party... Not. And you sir... earned your money the old fashion way... the rich getting richer. I am proud to have worked for the Federal Government for 28 years.

SuzieB  | Friday, February 08, 2008 |  12:16 AM

---

Why do all the contracting out of jobs end up costing more than what the Gov. workers do it for? Gov. workers don't work for a profit company. Most Gov. workers have the military background work ethic too. Have you serverd in the military?

Craig Pitcher  | Thursday, February 07, 2008 |  11:12 PM

---

If the G has better paying jobs than the privet sector, than the attrition and retention issues that are currently problems in most agencies must be being fabricated.

Or

We have the best and the brightest.

JAJ  | Thursday, February 07, 2008 |  09:02 PM

---

Dear Mr. Romney, with remarks like the one you just made, is the reason that my hamster has more chance of becoming President than you do.
Or were you referring that remark to the Senators and Congressman, who take care of themselves well.

Frank Gembicki  | Thursday, February 07, 2008 |  08:37 PM

---