In 2020, with the City of Welland and society as a whole still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Campion strongly opposed giving himself a pay raise. Welland City Council suggested giving themselves a 47% pay increase and increase the Mayor’s salary as well.
The pay increase for himself was something that Mayor Campion couldn’t accept while city workers and all Welland residents were struggling.
Mayor Frank Campion said raising politicians’ pay while some city workers continue to be laid off due to the pandemic is wrong.
Kris Dube (2020, September 3). Union rep and mayor disagree with 47 per cent pay hike for Welland council. Welland Tribune. https://www.wellandtribune.ca/news/council/2020/09/03/after-welland-councillors-give-themselves-47-raise-mayor-looks-to-return-his-44-hike.html
When the motion was up for debate, in a last effort to prevent increasing his own salary, Mayor Campion proposed to exclude his salary from being raised and allow Welland Councillors to increase just their own.
Campion asked council on Tuesday night to omit the mayor’s salary increase. Councillors voted against the idea.
Kris Dube (2020, September 3). Union rep and mayor disagree with 47 per cent pay hike for Welland council. Welland Tribune.
After council ignored Mayor Campion’s wish to exclude himself from the raise, Frank knew that he had to do something to help the community with the money.
“I need to give this money back somehow,” he said.
Kris Dube (2020, September 3). Union rep and mayor disagree with 47 per cent pay hike for Welland council. Welland Tribune.
Instead of keeping the salary increase for himself, Mayor Campion donated his pay increase to help in-need Welland residents.
Campion on Monday donated the first of two instalments of his additional earnings for the year to Welland Salvation Army, handing over a cheque for $1,800 to the agency’s Welland-St. Catharines director Carie McCombs in front of city hall.
Kris Dube (2020, December 7). Welland mayor donates pay increase earnings to Salvation Army. Welland Tribune. https://www.wellandtribune.ca/news/niagara-region/2020/12/07/welland-mayor-donates-pay-increase-earnings-to-salvation-army.html