If there is one thing that elected officials know, it’s that they probably won’t get rich while they remain in government. Well, unless they swindle the taxpayers of loads of money and jet off to a country that has no extradition treaty with the U.S., of course. But that notwithstanding, how much are certain elected officials really making? And is it enough, or is it too much?

Today The Common Denominator, an independent local newspaper, editorializes on that very matter, considering D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams’ annual salary. By virtue of a change made to the Home Rule Charter a few years back, Williams’ pay is tied to the federal government’s Senior Executive Service — the top corps of civil servants — netting him some $152,000 a year in compensation. This, they claim, seems a little much. They write:

That’s a far cry — and much greater than simple cost-of-living increases — from nine years ago when then-mayor Marion Barry was paid $87,984 a year.

How does Williams’ salary compare to other cities? According to information we found, the mayors of Boston (population 589,000) and Baltimore (population 651,000) take in $125,000, the mayor of Philadelphia (population 1.4 million) earns $130,000, the mayor of Atlanta (population 419,000) pockets $141,000 and the mayor of Detroit (population 900,000) takes home $176,000. Given the numbers, Williams’ salary isn’t too far outside the norm.

Is it too low? Possibly. Williams has often complained that his many years in public service have prevented him from purchasing a home, and there is little doubt that a man of his intellect and connections could have opted for the private sector long ago and fared much better financially than he has as mayor. Also, being mayor of the District requires not only attending to local problems, but also dealing with the U.S. Congress, negotiating with Maryland and Virginia on a number of issues, and delicately balancing the many competing interests and jurisdictions that are part and parcel of the city as the nation’s capital.

Whether his salary is too high or not high enough, Williams has made out relatively well in his two terms. He may not walk away a rich man, but at least he got to travel a lot — so much so that he was often referred to as “Travellin’ Tony.” And on business trips, he doesn’t fly coach.