Mass. mayor says he doesn't want raise, after all

NEWTON, Mass.—Newton Mayor David Cohen says he doesn't want a raise after all.

The mayor raised eyebrows by seeking a 28 percent pay hike -- while at the same time asking residents to approve a $12 million property tax increase.

But on Wednesday Cohen issued a statement saying he was declining a raise because his request had become a distraction from the important fiscal issues the city faces.

Cohen's proposed budget would have raised his salary from $97,876 to $125,482.

The mayor has not had a pay increase since first elected 10 years ago.

On Monday, Cohen warned of major service cuts, including a possible reduction in the city's police force, unless voters approved a Proposition 2 1/2 override.

Supporters and opponents of the override questioned the timing of the salary request.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe