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August 08.2025

2 Minutes Read

Quincy Residents Demand Vote on Mayor Koch's 79% Raise: Civic Engagement in Action

Thoughtful man addressing audience, Quincy mayor salary raise citywide vote context.

Residents Rally Against Mayor’s Salary Hike

In a dramatic display of civic engagement, the residents of Quincy are mobilizing against Mayor Thomas Koch’s proposed salary increase from approximately $159,000 to a staggering $285,000, marking a shocking 79% raise. The backlash has sparked conversations around government accountability and transparency in local politics.

A Call for Change: Democracy in Action

A resident group, Quincy Citizens for a Fair Raise, has initiated a petition seeking not just to slash the mayor's proposed salary but also to set a new precedent for how future raises for elected officials should be approved—by a unanimous citywide vote. “It’s important that the community has a say when it comes to how its leaders are compensated,” said Salvatore Balsamo, one of the petition organizers.

Proposed Salary Compared to Local Standards

The $285,000 proposed salary has drawn particular ire because it vastly exceeds what many city workers and educators earn. As Steven Perdios, another member of the petitioning group, points out, “The average pay increases our teachers receive are nowhere near this proposal.” The disparity raises questions about the fairness of such raises amidst economic instability.

Koch Defends His Position

In defense of the substantial salary increase, Mayor Koch has stated that his role demands a dedication that mirrors that of a CEO, logging around 80 hours a week to manage a city budget approaching half a billion dollars. “If you looked at the CEO role of this job against the private sector, it’d be a half a million dollar salary and it’d be bonuses every year based on what you produce,” Koch remarked. However, many residents, including Balsamo and Perdios, view this comparison as disconnected from the realities of public service.

What’s Next for Quincy?

As residents aim to gather 6,000 signatures by September 1, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the issue will reach the ballot. Despite the pushback, the results will reflect the community's stance on governance and accountability.

Ultimately, how Quincy handles this issue may serve as a litmus test for civic engagement across the region, showing the importance of community voices in local governance.

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Quincy Residents Demand Vote on Mayor Koch's 79% Raise: Civic Engagement in Action

Residents Rally Against Mayor’s Salary Hike

A Call for Change: Democracy in Action

Proposed Salary Compared to Local Standards

Koch Defends His Position

What’s Next for Quincy?

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