I wonder why the CJ feels the need to maintain their own database, instead of just a link to the state site where the info is just as easy to find?

If it's any comfort, it's not just here. This site has links to where you can find the same information on all 50 states and D.C.: http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/...mployee_salary

This information has always been public, it's just that before the Internet we didn't have it at our fingertips. For instance, the PVA records Bob mentioned have always been open to the public, but you used to have to traipse down to the PVA office to find out what your neighbor's house was worth; now you can look it up on the web.