Public workers reap too many benefits
Thank you, Mr. Kubalanza, for standing up for the ordinary taxpayer working in the private sector. I have long believed that anyone who felt they could make more in the private sector should leave their government job and get that job in the private sector. I also believe that public workers should have the same retirement rules that private sector counterparts have to live with, that is working until at least 62 and making greater contributions to their retirement plans with a matching contribution from their "employers" (that is the taxpayers) in the same manner that private sector employees get matching contributions that are reasonable and in tough times may be reduced or eliminated. Finally, hear hear for his idea to also eliminate the ability of government workers to inflate their salaries in the last five years to increase the amount of their pensions. It certainly is not fair to expect taxpayers to carry the burden of inflated pensions because of rules that are not used in the private sector. What you put in plus reasonable matching contributions and a longer work life are necessary to combat the growing deficits we face in this state so stop looking at the taxpayer as your personal piggy bank.
Time for all employees at every level of our government to share the same burdens that those in the private sector face every year. If they do not like it, then go ahead and look for that dream private sector job that you believe will pay you more per year. Trust me, it doesn't exist! You'd be in for a rude awakening in that not only would you have to work longer and contribute to your own retirement, but you'd also be required to work more days per year. None of these excessive federal and state holidays off as you enjoy now. You'd be lucky to get 10 days of holiday pay, and sick time - forget about it. If you get 3-5 days of sick time in the private sector, consider yourself lucky. Health and retirement plans would be your burden to carry as well. So go ahead, look for that private sector job and work it for awhile. Then perhaps you'll have more appreciation as a taxpayer instead of looking at them as one long endless money stream.
Stop breaking the backs of the private sector taxpayer and start treating your job as your means of supporting you and your family and start planning and saving for your own retirement needs. My pockets have been picked clean and I will continue to vote against any referendums requiring any tax increases for any reason and will be looking especially hard at my property tax bills to be sure that I am not overcharged to supply cushions to other people's income. I'm getting no relief and there is certainly no bailout coming my way from the government. My retirement account has taken a 40 percent plus hit in 2008, and funny, I don't see any government workers lining up to rescue me.
Cindy Bandur
Island Lake