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[Token]

I agree with that, but Bentley doesn't need the measily Gov's salary.  It's a great way to impress "the workin' man" though. 

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100505/NEWS02/5050366/Bentley-first-Alabama-governor-candidate-to-release-tax-return-credit-score

The retired Tuscaloosa physician gave copies of the documents to reporters at a news conference in front of the State House and said he would continue the disclosure each year if elected governor.

"Individuals who are serving in government should be held to a higher standard. I believe we should be willing to open ourselves up to the public so they will know what kind of people we are," Bentley said.

Bentley's tax return showed he had income last year of $112,943 and he contributed $15,159 to charities.

Bentley said his income last year was lower than normal because he sold his interest in his medical practice and retired in May 2009 to run for governor


FWIW, I like Bentley as much as any candidate I've seen in a good long while, but the salary bit isn't a selling point for me. 

Yeah, but if he's not in it for the money, why bother?  I believe the guy genuinely wants to do a good job.  And if he really isn't in it to make a living, it'll be the first politician that I've seen in a long time who's only in to make a difference.  I don't know how much the governor's salary is, but it's worth at least 2 teaching jobs.  He seems to be an honest man looking to make a difference, that's enough for me.  Especially compared to what we've had in the past 20 years.

[AUTiger1]

Yeah, but if he's not in it for the money, why bother?  I believe the guy genuinely wants to do a good job.  And if he really isn't in it to make a living, it'll be the first politician that I've seen in a long time who's only in to make a difference.  I don't know how much the governor's salary is, but it's worth at least 2 teaching jobs.  He seems to be an honest man looking to make a difference, that's enough for me.  Especially compared to what we've had in the past 20 years.

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=207914

From 07, $112,000

[JR4AU]

Yeah, but if he's not in it for the money, why bother?  I believe the guy genuinely wants to do a good job.  And if he really isn't in it to make a living, it'll be the first politician that I've seen in a long time who's only in to make a difference.  I don't know how much the governor's salary is, but it's worth at least 2 teaching jobs.  He seems to be an honest man looking to make a difference, that's enough for me.  Especially compared to what we've had in the past 20 years.

Again, I like the guy, but I'm jaded and cynical I guess. I find guys that have plenty of money, but continue to try to climb the ladder higher and higher, want the power.  Now that's not always a bad thing, if they intend to use it right.  All I'm saying is that the "I'll work for free" thing isn't a big selling point for me.

[AUChizad]

Again, I like the guy, but I'm jaded and cynical I guess. I find guys that have plenty of money, but continue to try to climb the ladder higher and higher, want the power.  Now that's not always a bad thing, if they intend to use it right.  All I'm saying is that the "I'll work for free" thing isn't a big selling point for me.

This is one of the few times I'm going to have to disagree with you and agree with CCTAU & Token.

That extra $112,000 going directly back into the state budget would be a good thing, and most importantly, as Token said, it at least appears to prove that he is not looking for some corrupt scandal to make millions for himself as we've seen from Alabama politicians in recent years.

[CCTAU]

This is one of the few times I'm going to have to disagree with you and agree with CCTAU & Token.

That extra $112,000 going directly back into the state budget would be a good thing, and most importantly, as Token said, it at least appears to prove that he is not looking for some corrupt scandal to make millions for himself as we've seen from Alabama politicians in recent years.

I just choked on my tofu burger.......................

[JR4AU]

This is one of the few times I'm going to have to disagree with you and agree with CCTAU & Token.

That extra $112,000 going directly back into the state budget would be a good thing, and most importantly, as Token said, it at least appears to prove that he is not looking for some corrupt scandal to make millions for himself as we've seen from Alabama politicians in recent years.

$112K is a drop in the State's bucket, but every cent counts I guess.  Probably cost that much to process all the paperwork to NOT pay him.  Again, nothing really negative to say about it, other than it's not a big selling point for me, and I still don't really get it.  It's largely symbolic to a guy with his means, and little benefit to the state as a whole. 

[CCTAU]

$112K is a drop in the State's bucket, but every cent counts I guess.  Probably cost that much to process all the paperwork to NOT pay him.  Again, nothing really negative to say about it, other than it's not a big selling point for me, and I still don't really get it.  It's largely symbolic to a guy with his means, and little benefit to the state as a whole. 

That is a huge point to a lot of folks. How many folks of his "means" are in politics today sucking down that $112,000 even when they don't need it. In the olden days, politicians were not paid. They were professionals who did it for their country. Of course they only had to meet seldom, but the sentiment of serving without getting paid resonates with many constituents. It is the "not what Alabama can do for me, but what I can do for Alabama" mentality that people hear.

[Pell City Tiger]

Yeah, but if he's not in it for the money, why bother?  I believe the guy genuinely wants to do a good job.  And if he really isn't in it to make a living, it'll be the first politician that I've seen in a long time who's only in to make a difference.  I don't know how much the governor's salary is, but it's worth at least 2 teaching jobs.  He seems to be an honest man looking to make a difference, that's enough for me.  Especially compared to what we've had in the past 20 years.

^^This^^

Couldnt have said it better myself.

[GH2001]

This is one of the few times I'm going to have to disagree with you and agree with CCTAU & Token.

Add GH to that list Chad. The stars must be aligning some kind of crazy. This is the dawning of the age of aquarius.....

And yes - I like Bentley and I like the guarantee. Seeing as how he doesn't have a job or an income anymore, I think its saying a lot that he isnt willing to take a salary.

[JR4AU]

Add GH to that list Chad. The stars must be aligning some kind of crazy. This is the dawning of the age of aquarius.....

And yes - I like Bentley and I like the guarantee. Seeing as how he doesn't have a job or an income anymore, I think its saying a lot that he isnt willing to take a salary.

You obviously didn't pay attetention to his tax return that he made public.  He made $100K+ his first year AFTER retiring.   He said that was down a good bit since he'd retired and sold his interest in the prectice.   Bently is rich.  I have no problem with that, but don't think he's making any sacrifices by not taking a salary if he gets elected.  Bentley is my guy, but I just am not real moved by him not taking a salary.   Obviously, I'm in the minority of Bentley supporters.

[GH2001]

You obviously didn't pay attetention to his tax return that he made public.  He made $100K+ his first year AFTER retiring.   He said that was down a good bit since he'd retired and sold his interest in the prectice.   Bently is rich.  I have no problem with that, but don't think he's making any sacrifices by not taking a salary if he gets elected.  Bentley is my guy, but I just am not real moved by him not taking a salary.   Obviously, I'm in the minority of Bentley supporters.

I did misunderstand it then. But it doesnt change the fact that I like the guarantee. And maybe Im looking at it from a macro perspective but the principle of it means a lot to a lot of people. More congressmen should do this.

[JR4AU]

I did misunderstand it then. But it doesnt change the fact that I like the guarantee. And maybe Im looking at it from a macro perspective but the principle of it means a lot to a lot of people. More congressmen should do this.

I'm more moved by his overall conservative leanings, and even temperment.  I also tend to think that since he's a doctor by trade, he has a REAL interenst in doing good things rather than just being elected to higher office.  His "no salary" pledge is a small part of the overall picture to me.   I also REALLY like the fact that he doesn't/hasn't engaged in mudslinging, and dirty politics.  I think THOSE are the things that have gotten him this far.  I really feel that his methods will get Moore supporters to go for him because he looks like Mr. Clean, but without the Roy Moore bluster.