Chafee's Office Price Tag
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Chafee's Office Price Tag
Governor-elect Chafee will take office Tuesday with a staff nearly half the size of what was budgeted for, his transition teams says. The 25 person staff, which will carry a $1.944 million projected payroll, is significantly smaller than the previous administration had.
In a press release, Chafee said he believes his staff will be the model of efficiency and productivity.
"Our state is in a fiscal crisis, and bearing in mind our sizable deficit and the difficult economic times, I want my office to set an example for frugality and efficiency in state government,'' Chafee said.”We will have fewer employees, but we have a talented team who will work hard to accomplish more with less.''
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In addition to Rogers, five other members of the staff will make over $100,000, including the Governor-elect, who will earn just over $117,000. Stephen Hourahan is the next highest paid staffer. He’ll serve as senior advisory to the Governor and receive $145,028 each year. Hourahan was Chafee’s communications director while he was in the Senate.
The rest of the $100k club includes Mike Trainor, who will serve as communications director and press secretary; Claire Richards, his senior legal counsel; Jamia McDonald, the deputy chief of staff.
Diversity?
Chafee was criticized for his staff’s lack of diversity this week by NAACP President Clifford Montiero and the list reflects that. Nine women will serve within the administration, but there are few minorities.
Communications director and press secretary Mike Trainor said Thursday that his staff is not completely finished and he is confident the Governor-elect will be committed to hiring a diverse group moving forward.