No Health Benefits for Elected and Appointed Workers

7 December 2009 @ 22:09 | Posted in » New Jersey, Politics

It’s post-election time, which means the true numbers are coming out. Our local news organizations refused to report prior to the election the fiscal mess the county is in. Despite outcries from the citizenry, the Fourth Estate remained silent, which ensured Lou Magazzu’s re-election. Now Magazzu tells the dire straits the county is in.

While Magazzu is responsible for this, I certainly did not expect him to be beating the drum heading into November decrying the financial mess he created. Magazzu cannot be believed, despite The Daily Journal’s cheering from the sidelines

This is a bad situation, but at least Magazzu and Mecouch are raising the alarm early while there is still a little time to consider options.

when he says he wants to resolve the $8 million budget hole “without tax increases or layoffs.”

Before I delve into my plan, I have a question about Magazzu’s goals. We are in the midst of a terrible economy. Unemployment rates are at record highs. While I suppose it is possible the county has been in more dire financial situations previously, I do not recall an $8 million shortfall during the 15 years I have lived here. So, if we can at least agree this budget hole is among the worst we have faced locally, Magazzu’s goal to not raise taxes or have layoffs begs the question:When would the county ever consider laying off an employee?

Seriously. In Millville Commissioner Derella makes similar claims about how bad the economy is. He is prepared to present a budget that increases taxes 9¢/$100 assessed property value. Yet, not one Millville public employee will be laid off.

Under what circumstances would these folks ever consider laying off an employee?

Ultimately, this is why I will be skeptical of any plan that is crafted. Government here only grows; it never contracts. It is time for elected officials to seriously consider revamping government.

Here is my plan to help close the county shortfall. It may not be enough to totally complete it, but I believe it will be a serious step in the correct direction.

No elected official or appointed worker should receive any health benefits.

Magazzu stated the county pays $20,000 per employee for a health policy.

Elected officials are paid, but not one freeholder is expected to be a freeholder 40 hours a week. It’s a part-time position. Part-time folks should not receive health benefits.

Appointed employees are different. The public is not afforded the opportunity to have a say whatsoever in political appointments. As such, health benefits are a costly perk that gets in the way of the public’s business. Sitting on a commission should not net one health benefits. Period. At best, those positions are part-time, if that. These positions are paid in addition to the health benefits.

One should look at these positions as an opportunity to provide service to one’s community; not to pad one’s wallet. If these folks refuse to sit on these commissions without compensation, look for others. I am certain there are those who will gladly give their time and effort for the benefit of the community without needing health benefits. I am willing.

For those of you who will cry that some appointees do actual work, then my suggestion is to make them full-time employees, without the appointment. That way the public can be assured proper hiring procedures were followed without the partisan cronyism.

Couple this with a mandate that the county either shuts down agencies or at least rescinds their borrowing powers. Doing so will keep the political grease at bay.

I’ll stipulate there isn’t $8 million in savings here. But this is the easy first step that does far more than save county tax dollars. It will lend some much needed credibility to our freeholders. Presently, the public does not think much of the job the freeholder board is doing and even less of how it is manipulating government. This step assures the public that the players are not lining their own pockets but are really concerned with doing the people’s business.

Even a cynic should favor these cuts. If there is not enough savings, a tax increase will be more palpable if the public sees government sacrificing prior to reaching into its pocket once again.

The realist in me understands Magazzu will not lead this charge. If that should be the case, ask yourself, “Why won’t Magazzu forgo health benefits for doing the public’s business?” After all, is a freeholder a full-time position in Cumberland County? Does it warrant a $20,000 health policy? Does Mr. Magazzu’s health insurance mean we have to pony up more taxes?