Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Joliet City Council Candidate Richard Rodriguez Seeks Elimination of Lifetime Health Care for Retired City Council Members
Richard Rodriguez, candidate for Joliet City Council, District 3, launched an online petition calling for the elimination of lifetime health care benefits for retired city council members and mayors.
“This is our Joliet, where people work hard and live within their means,” said Richard Rodriguez. “Unfortunately, Joliet politicians have not lived within theirs – and in return, it’s the people of Joliet who have to pay.”
Currently, council members and mayors who serve two terms or more are eligible for free lifetime health care benefits paid for by the city upon their retirement. City Council positions are classified as part-time occupations.
“Joliet is currently running budget deficits, and that’s just not acceptable,” Rodriguez said. “It’s time that we start coming up with real solutions to get us back on track – even that means making some tough decisions. That’s why I am calling on the current council members and all candidates seeking election to the board to pledge to eliminate this financial burden, which will ultimately fall upon future generations of Joliet,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’ announcement comes on the heels of Councilman Joseph Shetina’s request last week that city staff prepare a proposal for a change to the system.
Rodriguez has sent a letter today to all city candidates and council members urging them to join his pledge. The public can sign the online petition at www.SaveJoliet.com.
Rodriguez is running for Joliet City Council, District 3, against incumbent John Gerl and Robert G. Hacker.
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I believe the City of Joliet needs an overhaul.This should start with saying good bye to incumbent council men like Shatina,Brophy,Dorris,Gerl and Girante. They have had a chance to speak out against wasteful spending like insurance benefits for their services as part time employees.I will only consider Jan Quillman because she is relatively new in her position and has spoken against the wasteful spending in council meetings and promises a forensic audit if elected to Mayor. I will vote for those who have progressive ideas to develop the City in a manner which will bring in tax revenue through businesses that are going to boost the economy. I do not support those with their hands out for our tax revenue like "Rialto, Evergreen Terrace, Day break and Morning Star Mission." Bob Hacker has served in the city council previously. His accomplishments are few and along the same thought process of the other good old boys in council today. Attractive prospects for council are Richard Rodriguez,Larry Hug,Robert O'Dekirk who have ideas to make the City progress. Herald News: why do you take the time to ask these questions "what are your ideas for economical development of the City of Joliet to save residents increased tax burdens, elimination of public services,both emergency and non-emergency. I guess the editor of the Herald News should take a pay cut for missing his chance to ask an intellectual question of the candidates. Well there are leaders and followers and most who report in News Papers are followers. Mr.Editor were is the thought process in eliminating public service like your friend Andy Mihalic wants to solve the cities financial burden. Ask well why bother,I will watch the candidates myself and disregard your personal opinion.
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