Champions of their own self-interest

It is tragically ironic that the Illinois legislature, who through decades of gross negligence and perhaps even unethical or illegal maneuvering failed to fund public pensions, is now the champion of the Illinois taxpayer.

I understand why many recession weary citizens would rally around them. I know the legislature understands that motivation, too, and in a politically opportunistic move are looking to discharge Illinois’ obligation to teachers and other public employees like firefighters and police.

Many in the legislature will look to “wipe the slate clean” of the mess they and their predecessors have made on the backs of those who served the public interest. Illinois is in a financial mess, but rather than vilifying the very employees this state has relied upon to carry out its important business, this legislature and governor must clearly acknowledge to the public that: 1) the pension crisis is not of the making of the public employees, 2) the state must honor promises made to workers whose present and future livelihood is in the balance, 3) the legislature and governor must meet with all parties affected (unions, local school districts) to work out an equitable solution rather than “fast tracking” legislation that seeks only to preserve their political careers.

Public employees include our police, our firefighters, and our teachers. They are our neighbors, friends and family. Don’t let the governor or those in the legislature slip, slide out of another responsibility. They are not, as they would claim, the champions of the taxpayer; rather they are the champions of their own self-interests.

Richard Mitchell

Wheaton