Tell whole story on firefighter group

I couldn't help but chuckle at the claims made by the Northwest Municipal Conference in its opposition to pension adjustments for a unique group of Illinois fire fighters.

The story says the mayors oppose "retroactive pension increases to fire fighters who retired before 1971."

First and foremost, this change in pension annuities for firefighters who retired prior to 1971 is not retroactive.

There is absolutely no provision in this legislation for retroactive benefits.

How unique is this group of firefighters? There are only 29 of them statewide. As recently as 2004, there were 64 of them. They currently range in age from 84 to 99.

What does that tell you? And how much would this adjustment cost?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation estimates the first year cost at $39,000 statewide.

Because of the advanced age of the surviving firefighters, that number will most certainly decrease rapidly.

Firefighters understand the fiscal constraints on local governments. After all, we're taxpayers, too.

And we are willing to work with municipal officials in their efforts to control spending and taxes.

But let's be completely honest when we talk with our constituents.

John Fahy , president

Elgin Association

of Firefighters Local 439