Editor, Times-Union:
As a lifelong Republican and staunch advocate for economic conservatism, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent revelations about the Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales's office distributing extensive bonuses to nearly all its employees. While I believe in rewarding hard work and merit, the situation as reported raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility and accountability – principles that are foundational to conservative economic philosophy.
First and foremost, the sheer volume and frequency of the bonuses, which far exceed those in other state offices, are alarming. In an era where we, as Republicans, advocate for prudent spending and smaller government, it is disheartening to see such an extravagant outlay of taxpayer money, particularly when many Hoosiers work hard for every dollar they earn.
Moreover, the lack of a formal, written policy guiding these bonus distributions is a departure from the transparency and accountability we expect in government operations. The discretionary nature of these bonuses, particularly those awarded to individuals with close ties to Secretary Morales, raises concerns about potential favoritism and misuse of public funds. This not only goes against the principles of economic conservatism but also undermines public trust in our elected officials.
I understand and sympathize with the desire to retain talented employees and ensure their compensation is competitive. However, this should be achieved through a transparent, equitable, and systematic process, not through ad hoc bonuses that appear to be doled out at the whim of a single individual.
As Republicans, we have a responsibility to uphold the principles of fiscal discipline and responsible governance. I urge Secretary Morales's office to reconsider its approach to employee compensation, align its practices with those of other state offices, and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State Personnel Department. It is imperative that we lead by example, demonstrating that we are faithful stewards of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
Chris Plack
Warsaw, via email