Claude Skelton ClineTalk show host Claude Skelton Cline has defended the salary increases awarded to members of the House of Assembly, but warned that the same political will should have been used to address the long-neglected benefits of retirees across the territory. Speaking on his Honestly Speaking programme, Skelton Cline said two major concerns stand out: the manner in which the compensation packages were developed, and the absence of measures to support retired public servants. “Secondly, though it is an increase for the House of Assembly members, it does not seem to be commensurate with our retirees. The report reignited public anger over the steep hikes for elected officials while many residents face economic strain. Skelton Cline acknowledged that the numbers themselves are not unreasonable, noting that legislators had gone more than two decades without meaningful adjustments to their salaries.