At Trimet someone who sits at a desk writing press releases gets paid more than a skilled light rail controller

There is no particular skill required to be a "public information officer", if you can write you can do the job.

On the other hand being a light rail controller takes a HUGE amount of knowledge and skill.

But in the world of American public transportation and Trimet its the "information officer" who gets the bigger paycheck. 
Nobody cares if the public information officer shows up to work.
If the controller doesn't show up for work, well, there is no light rail.

The most vital people to #trimet light rail are paid less than the people who write press releases#pathetic pic.twitter.com/D4Ja2AhIFO

— AL M (@AlYourPalster) February 2, 2017