Quincy Mayor's Big Pay Raise Plan Hits a Snag

Mayor Thomas Koch of Quincy is under fire after being fined $55,000 for breaking campaign finance rules. The state's Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) uncovered significant violations, including:

• Accepting money from prohibited sources
• Taking donations from businesses (which is illegal)
• Receiving anonymous PayPal donations

Koch's campaign team was forced to repay the $55,000 and promised stricter compliance in the future.

Controversial Pay Raise Proposal

But that's not all. Koch has also faced backlash for attempting to give himself a massive pay raise:

• Current salary: $159,141
• Initial request: $285,000
• Revised request: $225,000 (after public outcry)

Many Quincy residents believe the raise is excessive, especially considering Koch's recent $850,000 expenditure on statues of saints—funds that some argue could be better spent elsewhere.

Uncertain Future

Koch claims the pay raise is about strengthening the mayoral position, not personal gain. However, he has yet to decide whether he will run for re-election. The controversies have left many in Quincy questioning his judgment and priorities.