Banker Dumps Wall Street to Boost Taxes on New York Rich

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-08/banker-dumps-wall-street-to-boost-taxes-on-new-york-rich.html




The reason Gus Christensen looks like an investment banker is that he was one until four months ago. A handshake reveals a shirt monogram over the wrist, an Omega watch and lapis cuff links he got on a JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) trip to Chile.

One clue to his new line of work was the Vineyard Vines tie with donkeys he wore to the Yale Club on Feb. 27. Another was his name on the program for that night’s annual Lenox Hill Democratic Club dinner as president and benefactor.

“Reactionary forces are strong,” he told his neighbors from New York’s affluent Upper East Side, their forks and knives clinking as they ate mushroom tart. “But the progressive side is stronger. And both time and right are on our side.”

Christensen didn’t quit banking just to head a local political club. With investors Tom Perkins and Ken Langone comparing the battle against inequality to Nazism, the language they despise is fueling the 42-year-old’s nascent campaign for New York State Assembly, a job that pays $79,500 a year. Money from working two decades on Wall Street will help fund his mutiny against some of its treasured principles.

[yeoman6987]

1. I know it is not his fault

But I find it absurd that he is going to spend a great deal of his savings from two decades to make 79K a year. I mean this position should cost about at most 5K for each candidate at most to be elected. Maybe a percentage of their pay should be the top. For example, President should not spend more than 20 percent of the amount in pay to run for President so 80K is max for both candidates. It is absurd that between Republican and Democrat in 2016 they are going to go about 1 billion dollars for a 400K job. They already hit 1 billion in 2012 so it will be above 1 billion in 2016.....just think of what could be done with that money if they didn't spend it all. We could put it towards our debt or pay the poor....I mean anything is better than hearing endless commercials and crap mail in our mailboxes. The debates cost close to nothing and if they do cost then cut down on streamers and other garbage that is not needed. Two podiums is enough. The conventions should go away....no need for them anymore.

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2. It should not cost anybody a nickel to get elected.

Well maybe the filing fee, and the cost of getting petitions signed by enough people to get on the ballot. But that's it. Everybody that gets on the ballot gets the same size megaphone at public expense to make their case, if they have one.

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3. +1

[bemildred]

4. Hey Princess.

I feel grumpy today, I'm taking it out on DU, which is an excellent place for it.

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5. if taking it out on DU is any symptom of Teh Grumpy

then i am the Bitter Old Queen of all time.

as usual -- very good to see you.