Re: Pensions For Politicians Are A Bonus At The Taxpayer’s Expense

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Dear Editor,

This is one Democrat who believes Karyn Polito, a candidate for Treasure, has it right.

There should be no pensions for politicians. Any individual who makes the decision to run for public office knows what their compensation will be. More often than not, it is greater than what the average person makes. It is a red herring to say if there are no pensions for politicians, then only the rich can run for office. Only someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth, such as Mr. Grossman, would make this argument. There are many people making less than politicians who manage to pay their expenses and save money. They simply operate their households in a fiscally sound manner. I grew up in a working-class family which was on the  lower end of middle class. My parents figured out how to put decent meals on the table, donate to charity and save. My mother taught me the value of using coupons. I went to public high school and public college.

Even if politicians decide to serve for many years, it is their choice. However, like every hard working person, they, too, must simply set aside money in their IRA for retirement. If they choose, they can take on a second job. There are many politicians receiving fair state compensation who also receive additional income from their primary occupations or private businesses outside of their public work. A pension for politicians is a bonus at the taxpayers’ expense. I am in favor of setting up a vehicle through which politicians may set aside money for retirement. This is what many of us do.

Very truly yours,
Michael Weinberg