A Taste For Pork

To the Editor:

I suggest to anyone who is upset at the high cost of taxation in this town to take a look at the budget statement of our town. It is easy enough to access on the computer. Simply go to Newtown-CT.gov and choose the pertinent section. You know ye old saying: Seeing is believing.

I have only glanced at a few items, but they are eye openers.

Under Medical Costs, Self-Enrolled, you will find that the town pays most of the cost of health care for teachers. How much? We pay about $7.8 million annually for this benefit of which about $7.6 million was used last year!! The teachers pay about $1.5 million. It means that the town pays about 84 percent of the health costs. The co-pay is between five and six percent. Who needs Medicare with this kind of largesse?

This enormous costly fringe benefit has been continued despite the severe economic times we are in and which may continue for several years according to some economists.

What about the seniors? What about those without work or underemployed? Many of us need help, but are told there is no money. Well, there were $7.8 million, but no more. It is the union votes which some of our leaders apparently desire. Pay or go to Timbuktu; that seems the answer from them and the teachers union. How about our town leaders? Where is the Senior Center? Where is a meaningful tax relief for those not as fortunate as the teachers?

I call on our administration to raise the percentage which teachers must pay to 50 percent. Since they are entitled to Medicare, suspend these benefits upon retirement.

It appears nobody among the teacher union knows the meaning of the word “less,” only the word “more.” Is it not about time that teachers learn to do with less like most of us?

Start by cutting the health benefits and eliminate tenure. Those without work would be happy to change places with the teachers.

My special ire was aroused by a request for $24,000 by the police for community services (and what are they?). This should be voluntary like all the volunteers from the volunteer fire department to the Lions to Kevin’s Center. It is a small sum considering the bloated budget, but it catches the spirit of those who have a free hand with the public coffers. Were it not for the volunteer fire department, you would see a dramatic rise in taxes. Speak up loud and clear and help me turn this tide of waste, greed, and laissez-fair which far too long has pervaded our town.

Stop the Pork!

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Apple Blossom Lane, Newtown                        February 14, 2012