In order to attract the best and brightest talent, public servants do need to be reasonably and competitively compensated (not just for the work they do, but everything they give up, time with family, other opportunities, etc.) 

Eugene City Council's stipend is something like 12K a year. If we presume that a lazy city councilor is only working 20 hours per week, then that's still only 24K a year. 

And, if we look at EWEB, those folks are paid $0. And, that's a place (EWEB Board) where we desperately need to attract better talent for some of the positions. 

If I were on one of these councils or commissions, I would suggest increasing compensation, but if you vote for it, then you can't receive the increase.  That way we will have a better idea that the compensation increase is in the public interest rather then self-interest.