Keril Wright, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU: A BATTLE of wills has developed between Ralph Anglin, president of the Association of Local Government Authorities (ALGA) and J.A.G. Myers, past president of the association.
Mr. Myers, former Mayor of Black River and president of the Jamaica United Local Government Representatives Association (JULGRA) has called on Government to establish an equal pay policy for all Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councilors.
However, Mr. Anglin, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, has challenged Mr. Myer's authority to make representation on behalf of Mayors.
In a letter to The Gleaner on Tuesday, Mr. Anglin said: "...Mr. Myers had written to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to make representation on behalf of Mayors with a view to having their salaries brought in line with that of the Mayor of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation."
The letter further stated: "I wish to state categorically that Mayors are represented by the Association of Local Government Authorities and not by Mr. Myers and his so-called union. Furthermore there is no intention by the Association of Local Government Authorities to ask for a revision of Mayors' salaries at this time."
Mr. Anglin further reiterated in an interview Tuesday with The Gleaner that "Mr. Myers cannot speak for Mayors, only ALGA can do that. Furthermore Mayors are not asking for a raise of salary at this time."
In addition, Mr. Anglin has written to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance seeking to discredit Mr. Myers' claim.
The letters, dated August 8, stated in part: "...there is no intention of ALGA to ask for a revision of Mayors' salaries at this time. I would be happy if you would convey to Mr. Myers this information."
However, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Michael Peart said an investigation was under way.
"The Minister has asked me to investigate the matter and this investigation is under way," he said.
Mr. Myers has since denied Mr. Anglin's challenge.
"Nobody has any absolute right to speak on behalf of Mayors at any time," said Mr. Myers.
He insisted that his organisation comprised past and present Local Government representatives, including incumbent Mayors.
