Jeffrey A. Clark

I am pledging to the people of the 5^th district of VA that if I am elected I will go to Washington on a budget. The congressional salary for the rank and file Congressman is 174,000 a year after tax that is roughly 116,580 a year. Of that $116,580 I Pledge to only live on half or roughly 58,290. I will donate the other half to a foundation that will function independent of me or my family and will be administered by people chosen from the district. This foundations purpose will be to distribute funds to help Seniors and children in need that live in the 5^th district. I will also donate half of everything I earn that is the result of me holding office or having served in office such as speaking engagements, book deals, or anything that can be associated with my time in office.

The average income of those living in the 5^th district is roughly 40,000 a year. I do not feel it is appropriate for me to go to Washington to represent the people of the 5^th district making in excess of 400 % the average income of the district. Many of the people living in this area of VA are living on fixed incomes and struggle to meet their monthly expenses. My salary will be roughly only 45% more than average income of the district not 400% that is the current disparity in salary of congressmen to constituents. I will maintain this salary to income ratio for the duration of my time serving the 5^th district. Only when the district has an increase in the average income will I have a proportional increase in the amount of salary I will accept. That way my success and opportunity is directly linked to the success of the people of the 5^th district of VA. Only when you the people of the 5^th district succeed and receive more pay will I succeed and also receive more pay.

Some may ask why I am doing this and the reasons are twofold. 1^st. My income will be directly linked to how well I serve the people of the 5^th district. 2^nd I do not want Washington DC to become home or for that matter a place that becomes too comfortable. I want to know that by making a decision to return home to Danville and the 5^th district that I will have a better quality of life with the ability earn more money than I would if I were to stay in Washington and that I will be able to spend more time with family and friends. This will ensure that any decision on my part to seek re election will be based on conviction and principle not based on opportunity and comfort.

Some skeptics may see this as a gimmick. However, I believe this action is more in line with how the founding fathers originally envisioned the salaries of their public officials. George Washington accepted no salary as the general of the Continental Army or as President of the United States.  Also Benjamin Franklin warned against excessive salaries for those holding public office. Others may think I will not follow through with my pledge. I am not asking the people of the 5^th district to wait until the end of my first year to see if I keep this pledge or until the end of my first term. They will be able to see evidence that I am living up to this pledge on a month by month basis.  The foundations web site will reflect my monthly pledge for all those in the 5^th district to view. I will also encourage individuals and businesses to contribute to this foundation so it can have a greater impact for those in need in the district. I look forward to serving you the people of the 5^th congressional district of Virginia.