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Hey Patrick1975,

I didn't realize the comment section of the Warwick Beacon was a peer reviewed, professional publication, my apologies as I shot from the hip. Please specifically cite the sources you mention, CNN and USA Today are not sources, they are news agencies. Articles are sources. This is sarcasm for the record, I don't actually care to know the sources you mention, but I did read the one you actually cited.

The in question is quite interesting. It is clear that the article is about national averages, not what is happening in RI which was among the worst hit states in the economic downturn of 2008. The pay raises actually vary from a high of 4.8% for certain workers to a low of .1%. that's point one percent for others. This is according to your source. It is encouraging on the whole, but not indicative of the situation here in RI.

My sources are purely anecdotal, let me clarify. Several friends in professional careers have told me of their 1-2% raises over the last few years. Some received pay cuts of as much as 10% back in 08' or 09' and have received the previously mentioned 1-2% pay raises since, sometimes 0%. This is of course coupled with rising healthcare costs meaning some people's net pay has actually decreased over the last few years despite receiving meager raises. I have received pay raises averaging roughly 1.5% the last three years in my white collar job. A friend who owns a business employing mostly seasonal, high school aged employees has not raised wages in several years. So there you have it. From my perspective, if I were offered pay raises of 5% annually for three years- as WISE reportedly has - I would gladly take it and run.

And yes, we're in agreement. School consolidation is a reality no matter who likes or dislikes it and we as a municipality need to get it done right. Instead of being obdurate in the face of these necessary changes, let's take the issues head on and try to improve the school system for everybody. The kids benefit from improved schools, taxpayers benefit from consolidation, and homeowners benefit with increased property values with an improved school systems. It's a win, win, win, scenario for the 82,000+ citizens of Warwick (2010 census) unless you're one of the unfortunate 65 who will lose their jobs.