If you really want a political system to work, the pay needs to be based on the average wages earned by the populace that you represent (or that plus a portion, just to make it interesting). Say the mayor of a small town with an average income of $20,000 per year should earn $20,000 plus say $10,000 for incentive (otherwise you won't have anyone willing to do it, it's easier to just get a job). As the pay increases in his town, so does his salary. If it decreases, so does his.
Same thing for congressmen, senators, governors and presidents. The incentive addition should go up as the responsibility does as well (i.e. president should be double, because they get to have a finger on "the button".)
This incentivizes the individual to look out for his or her constituents and not just the special interests of his or her party. You then, cant just promise jobs, you have to deliver. It's in your own financial best interest to look out for companies that provide income stability to your town, state or municipality.
I also believe that there should be a minimum amount of time spent living in that area before you can run for office there. Otherwise you would have people move to the Hamptons just to run for office because the per capita would be higher. You need to have a proven vested interest in the people you will serve. Not just moving to New York to become a senator just because nobody wanted you in Little Rock...... ahem.
