Need to address pols' pensions in DuPage

DuPage County Board Chairman Cronin boasts on a regular basis about government consolidation, county reduction, and the alleged cost savings of millions to the tax payers he has given himself credit for.

County board members get paid very well ($51,000) for a part-time position with health and pension benefits. As of last year, new county board members are not eligible for a pension due to Senate Bill 2701.

Board members, previously employed prior to the pension bill can remain in the pension system if they were enrolled at the time of the bill being passed. They must document minimum 20 hours of work per week. We could address savings by cutting the benefits that some of his current board members receive.

Other counties in Illinois have had their board members maintain their hours under 20 per week to withdraw from future pension earnings. Most if not all of the board members have their own practices, jobs or businesses that already carry a six figure salary.

Some board members have pensions from previous political positions. Board members' salaries are more than most full time jobs in DuPage County in both government and private sectors.

All too many times politicians have great ideas to push their political agenda as long as it doesn't effect themselves negatively politically or monetarily.

I look forward to the day Mr. Cronin shows tax payers he leads by example and addresses this issue.

Michael Shehee

Lisle