No support here for pension reform vote

During a recent Naperville City Council meeting, the issue of public safety pension reform was discussed in detail. The council voted to present a referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot.

I would like to share a few comments from my constituents the fire and police community. Councilman Grant Wehrli began the discussion with a very condescending comment about the police pension fund representatives. He placed blame on public safety for the financial crisis associated with pension funds. I found this very one-sided and inappropriate for a city official to say. None of the other councilmen shared his point of view. On the reverse I applaud Councilmen Fieseler and Hinterlong for their vote not in favor of the referendum.

The city will use language from the General Assembly decision to reform public employees. There is a measurable difference between public safety and public employees - precisely why the pensions are different. Our firefighters and police officers are the best in the state; I guarantee to you that if this reform is mandated you will see in the next 10 years a change in the service that is provided to you as citizens of Naperville. I say this not in a threatening manner but a realistic point of view. To increase the age limit for retirement to 60 or 65 is ludicrous for public safety. The physical demands of the profession lend themselves to a younger population.

There was a time when the city did not contribute its share into the funds, and it took many years to work on those changes. Pension fund contributions for public safety is minuscule compared to all of the other mandated contributions. As November approaches and this referendum appears on the ballot, I will vote no.

If the community of Naperville votes against public safety reform will the city council withdraw its pursuit for reform?

David Szablewski

Naperville