Audit

What happens to an alderman's salary? A hundred angry taxpayers' leagues, thinking of both the alderman and his salary as fat, have asked this question. Paul Howard Douglas, University of Chicago economics professor, often used to ask it. Last year popular, liberal-minded Paul Douglas decided to find out. He ran for alderman in Chicago's fifth ward, promised if elected to audit and publish his annual income. Last week Alderman Douglas kept his pledge, issued his findings.

Total income: $14,945.07. Aldermanic income: $3,556.80. Aldermanic disbursements (rent, help, charities, grass seed, garbage cans, etc.): $3,540.08. Net aldermanic balance: $16.72.

His conclusions: "We . . . give our time for nothing. . . . What can the public legitimately expect under such conditions? . . . [It] is probably getting at least as good government as it deserves. Most of the citizens, as I see it . . . [think] that while they can neglect public affairs and exclusively pursue their own self-interest, democracy will somehow be preserved by someone else."

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