 |
| The Commuter |
Panto has objected to "County Council's injecting their nose in city affairs." But since the County's Easton workforce is at least 700, this is very much a County issue, too.
Most of these people are modestly paid. Some are on food stamps. County Council and the Exec have a duty to look out for them. If not them, who else? Based on Panto's remarks, it would not be him.
Nonresidents already pay Easton a 1% earned income tax, although that money is shared with their hometown. Easton wants to hike that tax to 1.75%, and keep the entire increase to pay into its underfunded pension plans. The commuter tax, if enacted, will pay for less than half of what Easton needs to pay for its pensions.
According to Panto, the real culprit is Act 111, a state law that provides binding arbitration for police and firefighters, who are then prohibited from going on strike.
The issue with the public unions that most individuals here fail to see is that cities must negotiate within the framework of Act111 adopted by --- you guessed it, the state. Join us in getting this 50 year old bill amended to include just a few things like "ability to pay." Chambers of Commerce have joined our effort in pension and Act 111 reform. I support our city employees and I support their need for retirement planning, just not at 75% of compensation while paying into a plan that is based on a lot less. Where does the 75% come from ------ state Third CLass City Law and Arbitration awards by a neutral that doesn't take into account the "ability to pay."
Without question, Act 111 is unfairly slanted in favor of public sector unions. The Coalition for Sustainable Communities claims that binding arbitration is "strangling" Pennsylvania communities, and is the reason that 41% of Pennsylvanians live in financially distressed municipalities. "Prosper or Perish," a Study commissioned by the City of Lancaster, reaches the same conclusion.
Here's some of the changes proposed:
* Ensure that standards for awards include a justification of the award based on the evidence presented and a calculation of new costs – a municipality’s ability to pay;
* Prohibit post-retirement health care and pension benefits not required by statute from being the subject of collective bargaining;
* Penalize either party for failing to engage in good faith bargaining;
* Start the collective bargaining process earlier in the year and require arbitration to be requested earlier;
* Expand the list of arbitrators to 7 instead of 3;
* Require the cost of arbitration be shared equally between both parties;
* Require arbitration sessions be open to the public; and
* Broaden avenue for appeal process and for municipal relief when the Auditor General identifies an illegal pension benefit.
Senator Jane Earll (R-Erie) is currently seeking co-sponsors for a bill to reform Act 111. Police and fire unions have already called it an "attack."
if I were King - or the Governor of Wisconsin - I'd just refuse to collectively bargain with the public sector, who needs no union. But absent this drastic and possibly incorrect approach, these reforms seems entirely reasonable.
We fought a civil war to abolish slavery, even if it is at the hands of public sector unions who are shackling the rest of us.
We also fought a revolutionary war to end taxation without representation, and that is what Easton's commuter tax means.
Until Act 111 is reformed, what can Easton do?
First, it can pressure state representatives, who are notorious for failing to take positions on anything until they are backed against a wall. It's election time, which might be a good time to get some movement.
Second, Easton could at least ask Northampton County and Lafayette College, the City's largest employers, for some kind of help. But that won't happen if you tell them to stay out of city affairs.
84 comments:
Look its Bernie wearing his "Taxation without Representation" Tea Party hat! Is anyone else shocked?
Um, As I recall, George Washington wore that hat when he complained about the Stamp Act. You want to slam him?
Bernie this is your best piece in a long time. You are a real reporter here. You point out both sides. Pants is being pig headed here. He's definitely not running for exec now. Wonder how county council wannabe Warren will vote?
Don't worry. I'm still a bottom-feeding blogger. Easton has a real problem, to be sure. but it should not be solved on the backs of those who already are suffering in this economy.
Great article, Mr. O'Hare. Just one item needs correction: The War of Northern Aggression was not entirely fought over slavery. The preservation of state's rights was the primary cause of this war.
The coloreds were an afterthought.
Montague, heh, heh. The war of northern aggression. States rights. You sound like a prof I had at Georgetown, who really believed that, and had a CSA belt buckle to boot. I think his first name was Montague, too. Not a Hailstone, though.
It is a bit hypocritical for Panto, a big teacher union pension getter, to be crying aobut the police and fire guys.
I would support the legislation if it included language forbidding public school teachers strikes and forcing them to renegotiation of lifetime benefits.
Panto's attitude is all these pensions suck, all of them except mine.
Sorry Sal, can't agree on this one.
sorry, ntoi very honest.
Bernie is now comparing himself to George Washington! Now this is hilarious! At least George Washington owned property and contributed to the growth of this country. As your history will teach you Bernie, only land owners were allowed to vote. What land do you own? Let me answer that for you? You own nothing, you are a renter in Nazareth! Don't ever try to compare yourself to Washington or anyone else that was willing to give their lives for a belief. You never wore the uniform of this country for one second. You only embarrass yourself!
P.S.
Even the Tea Party thinks you are nut job and that is saying something. As per your LinkedIn profile "In late March, the LV Tea Party did excommunicate me."
P.S.S
Your LinkedIn account says so much about you...
My blogging income is limited solely to google ads.. Other than signing up for google ads, I have nothing to do with the advertising you see on my blog.
My license to practice law was suspended for two years in 1986 as a result of ethical misconduct. I was guilty as hell. I have not applied for readmission. Another excommunication.
I am a recovering alcoholic.
Do I have this right? The City is Distressed, because a Policeman or Fireman requests a liveable wage!
2:37, Time for your drug cocktail.
anon coward 2:37. only in your spinning feeble mind did bern compare himself to George Washington.
Everyone knows his history. Most definitely old news.
This is an interesting story. Easton is not alone in this pension problem. This is the real world
Try to swallow your hate as it only affects you.
anon fool 6:25
this is not just about salaries. it's about state mandated and unsustainable pensions.
your comments sound like an union issued statement given out by someone you stupidly pay dues to.
Try getting the facts for yourself instead of being spoon fed.
Can't say I necessarily agree with Sal on this but at least he is trying to do something which will help to bring this issue to the forefront.
It's time for everyone to step up to the plate and recognize the facts before us.
I think we all can agree that change is in order and all will have to give up a piece of what they have or nothing will be left for anyone!
I guess Sal has finally come to realization that his political fortunes outside of Easton are dog shit. He might have a shot at Freeman's seat in a lever-puller district. But he's pretty much proving the Peter Principle in Easton. Sal has risen to his level of incompetence. And he's bitter about it.
The foolish leaders in harrisburg are more interested in privatizing liquor stores. Earll has been in office for years and is thinking of introducing something? This is hollow at best. They wont be in session again til 9/24 and then they will do 2 weeks in october. This aint going anywhere.
And for crying out loud: this isnt taxation without representation. If you dont like the law, the general assembly can change it. I have to pay an increased sales tax in philly, hotel taxes in other cities and a booze tax in pittsbugh. I didnt vote on it or the people who enacted it. But the state permits it. If i dont like it, i ask the state to repeal that ability. I have two folks in harrisburg (a senator and a representative). That is representation. Norco might want to watch the taxation language bc they levy a hotel tax. Last i checked, most people staying at hotels in norco aint living there.
I understand what Panto is talking about. He makes sense and has a right to be annoyed. He inherited a mess. This pension issue is another blow. The city had a few public hearings and has one more left. Where was county council? Why did they not show up then? Why should county employee's get special attention? So many of them are union thugs who take advantage of Act 111 and collect these pensions. Panto is right. The problem starts a Act 111 and the state has done nothing to fix the pension mess that is strapping cities. Maybe, just maybe, if the county council cared about it's employees it would have shown up to discuss this matter with the city. I don't see why, even with 700 employees it feels as if the city should bow down and kiss the ring.
Okay Everyone........put aside your hate and discontent for public sector unions and lets look at the dilemma Easton is facing. I don't live in Easton but I too think it somewhat unfair and hypocritical, but politically very smart, to put a tax burden on people who can't vote you out of office by telling those commuters they have to bail you out of a financial problem. Panto can raise taxes on an already over-burdoned property owner which means the elderly living on fixed incomes get penalized by paying more taxes.
Panto has a real problem. He must "by law" address this issue and there is no easy answer for him. He can't change State Legislation, He can't print money like the Federal government, and his taxation methodology for raising the revenues to assress this dilemma is in the hands of our State Senators and State Legislators who are truly worthless. Boscola, Freeman, and the rest of them will not do anything that hurts the unions and they will certainly do nothing that might jeopardize their own pensions and health benefits. Other than changing the rules by which Cities and Counties have to play, there is little choice but to raise taxes. The only issue left is.......who gets to pay for it?
If the cities/towns/boros want act 111 reform,as some have mentioned about reducing or removing pension benefits, then they have got to be ready to increase salaries of their men and women protecting us. Their salary, without the retirement, is a joke for what theyre asked to do....
There go those pesky police and firefighters again. Acting like we OWE them something. And screw their happy and comfortable retirement. A stranglehold I tell you! I would like to keep that five dollars, thank you very much.
but it should not be solved on the backs of those who already are suffering in this economy.
Yet you don't want those food stamp using union members to stop suffering. You want them to suffer more. Because, you know, we pay their salary, man!
How tired. It's all their fault is becoming pretty offensive except to the reactionaries, alarmists, and uninformed. Look around and solve actual problems.
The reason these cities are financially distressed is because of the welfare society established by Washington DC.
Cut all able bodied from Welfare, Food Stamps and SSI. Only about 50% pay taxes, the rest live off the HOST....The WORKER.
Do I have this right? The City is Distressed, because a Policeman or Fireman requests a liveable wage!
Yes. Bernie believes that the public sector unions are the cause of the economic problems of the country. Obviously, he frequents propagandist right wing blogs.
this is not just about salaries. it's about state mandated and unsustainable pensions.
Unsustainable is a strong word thrown around a lot by people without facts or figures. It's a lie too.
Unions suck.
This was a political stance by the county. They didn't even think about the private sector when they introduced and voted on their stance. I would like to know Bernie's take on this. And why do they refuse to take a stance at the state level. Seems like they see a politician rumored to be running for Exec and they want to shine light on the fact that he has to make a tough decision. I give him credit for tackling it and not letting politics get in the way. Again, Where was the county during the first few hearings? It is a political stance. Honestly this tax will make little difference in an Exec race and Panto knows that. And Bernie - I hate to tell you this but everyone is hurting in this economy, not just county employees. So regardless of who pays this it will be on the backs of those already suffering in this economy. This is really an issue at the state level. The state passed this law. Ever wonder how your representive voted? Putting blame on the back of one person because of politics is ridiculous.
10:23, I cannot speak for Council, obviously, but I believe they were speaking for their workforce as well as all non-residents who will be impacted. "No taxation without representation" is a refrain that John Cusick mentioned several times. I do believe (I am not 100% sure) that some Council members referred to lafayette College as well.
McClure was peeved that no effort had been made by Easton to reach out on an issue that will hurt the County's workers.
There was no attempt to place the blame on the backs of one person. Several Council members actually indicated a willingness to help Easton.
I'd agree that we need Act 111 reform. I'd agree that CC should adopt a resolution about that state issue, too. Has Easton done so? Has Bob Freeman agreed to seek reform?
This was a political stance in the sense that taxes are very much a political issue. But it is also a human issue. There are real people who will be hurt by thius proposal. The Mayor's comment about the County sticking its nose into this matter misses the point entr\irely, and proves that Cusick's "no taxation without representation" argument has validity.
Scranton, Pa., slashes workers' pay to minimum wage -
http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12659748-scranton-pa-slashes-workers-pay-to-minimum-wage?lite
"Bernie believes that the public sector unions are the cause of the economic problems of the country."
They are certainly the cause of the economic problems in most municipalities, as Democratic Mayor Sal Panto has basically admitted by pointing at binding arbitration.
"Look around and solve actual problems."
I'd say an underfunded pension is a real problem, especially if it is going to be funded oin the backs of people who have no pensions at all and who do not live in the City.
"I have two folks in harrisburg (a senator and a representative). That is representation. "
But it is Easton City Council that will impose thje commuter tax, and non-residents have no voice in that body. In fact, one commenter argued how smart it is for Panto to impose the tax on a group that can't vote him out of office.
Jon Geeting, You or some committee of experts do not decide where people should live. That should be their choice.
Anon 11:24,
Poor, poor Scranton.
Big Government works great until you run out of Rich People's money?
MAGGIE
(I have to live within my means whethere I like it or not)
There is no probability that municipalities will not have to deal with unions. So ideas to just blow them off are non-startes.But, the post retirement issues could be seperated from the basic bargaining.
BUT, there could be better ways to deal with the post returement costs. One idea would be to mandate a uniform statewide pension(and healthcare) scheme for uniformed employees.That would also allow for employment portibility. A fireman in one city can't relocte without losing benefits as the current process stands.The unions will have to bargain at the state level. Some risk to this if you get New Yorks' deals.
Also, there needs to be a funded approach to transitioning to defined contribution plans.Eventually that is the only solution.Some kind of revenue is needed to get between the defined benefit and defined contribution approach. Maybe a state bond issue?
I think that county council is missing the point. The commuter tax is enabled through state legislation. If you have a problem with it, contact your representatives in H burg and ask them to repeal the legislation. You do have representation as far as the tax is concerned. Easton has no choice but to implement the tools that the state has given the city. Here's another take. Suppose the city does not enact the tax and has to choose Act 47. You may still end up with the tax because it is a remedy for Act 47 municipalities. Again, if you think that is unfair, rewrite the state legislation.
12:09 -
Or Easton could prioritize services, slash spending, and outsource everything they can - including police services.
But that would take courage, and it's much easier to raise taxes on people who can't vote you out of office.
What is the average retirement package. I may just consider a career change.
All of you are missing the point of this. It takes proposals like this to shine light on the bigger issue. And you are going to find that Northampton County actually endorsed this not to long ago. I was at an Easton City Council meeting when the Mayor brought up a potential PILOT program with the county but they backed off due to the counties financial standing at that time. This was Last Year when Barron and Stoffa were at odds over the budget.
And remember Bernie. McClure is rumored to be running for Exec. Now all the sudden he wants to represent the people.
Owing the Unions is no different than owing the Mob.
Pay up or get your leg broken.
:-)
They are certainly the cause of the economic problems in most municipalities, as Democratic Mayor Sal Panto has basically admitted by pointing at binding arbitration.
No, they are the municipalities not covering their obligations. 1% tax? Really? I think people could spare 2% to have their police, sewers, and fire departments run. People want stuff but never want to pay. They want to pay less. The real world doesn't work that way.
I'd say an underfunded pension is a real problem, especially if it is going to be funded oin the backs of people who have no pensions at all and who do not live in the City.
An underfunded pension needs to be funded. So how do you do it? Taxes. Why is this so difficult for you to understand?
I doubt very muich that McClure is running for Exec, despite what feelers he may be sending. First, he'd have to give up his job at a law firm, and i don't know that he'd be able to go back. Second, he barely won in his own district against a candidate with no money. I think McClure wants something, and is hoping that the Exec candidate is willing to give it to him.
Shaking down people who can't vote me out of office is the way to go.
LIFELONG BUREAUCRAT
But it is Easton City Council that will impose thje commuter tax, and non-residents have no voice in that body. In fact, one commenter argued how smart it is for Panto to impose the tax on a group that can't vote him out of office.
Being a tea party type Republican, I'm sure you've heard of the "free market?" Isn't that what you all propose? If you don't like the pay, get another job. Plus the people Norco council is concerned about are people WITH pensions.
"An underfunded pension needs to be funded. So how do you do it? Taxes. Why is this so difficult for you to understand?"
It's not diificult to understand at all, but the constant references to tax increases is a bit hard to swallow in this economy. I'd suggest that the Mayor think outside the box instead of adopting the usual knee jerk reaction of more taxes. Why not approach the County? Why not approach Lafayette? And geez, why not ask the unions who caused this mess to make a few concessions? It's a real problem, and the proposed solution is a real problem, too.
Awesome. More ironpigpen spam...
It's not diificult to understand at all, but the constant references to tax increases is a bit hard to swallow in this economy. I'd suggest that the Mayor think outside the box instead of adopting the usual knee jerk reaction of more taxes. Why not approach the County? Why not approach Lafayette? And geez, why not ask the unions who caused this mess to make a few concessions? It's a real problem, and the proposed solution is a real problem, too.
Because the tax increase would be paltry? How exactly did the union "cause the mess" when the city didn't fund their pensions? You lost me.
"I think McClure wants something, and is hoping that the Exec candidate is willing to give it to him."
Sounds like you and McClure are a lot alike.
"Being a tea party type Republican, I'm sure you've heard of the "free market?" Isn't that what you all propose? If you don't like the pay, get another job. Plus the people Norco council is concerned about are people WITH pensions."
By your reasoning, Sal Panto must be a tea party Republican, too. he is the person who claims that pensions are a mess bc of Act 111 binding arbitration. Scranton Mayor Doherty, another Democrat, must be a tea party type, too. he'd rather pay minimum wage than spend money he does not have.
As for getting another job, I am sure that is exactly what is going to happen with many non-Easton residents who object to this tax. I am equally certain that several businesses will move out, and it will be harder to attract prospective business. And your pensions still won't be funded.
2:51, Stick to the topic, please.
"How exactly did the union "cause the mess" when the city didn't fund their pensions? You lost me."
Your Democratic mayor explained it. Act 111 is binding arbitration, and tilts towards the unions. The City is so busy paying for that it has no money for other things.
" they are the municipalities not covering their obligations."
And they are not covering theior obligations bc of the mess caused by public sector unions, with unrealistic binding arbitrations that fail to take into account a city's ability to pay. This is the point I made initially. Thank you.
By your reasoning, Sal Panto must be a tea party Republican, too. he is the person who claims that pensions are a mess bc of Act 111 binding arbitration. Scranton Mayor Doherty, another Democrat, must be a tea party type, too. he'd rather pay minimum wage than spend money he does not have.
No, they are POLITICIANS afraid to raise taxes because they want to be reelected.
Your Democratic mayor explained it. Act 111 is binding arbitration, and tilts towards the unions. The City is so busy paying for that it has no money for other things.
Then you raise revenue. Wow, you'd think this is rocket science.
And they are not covering theior obligations bc of the mess caused by public sector unions, with unrealistic binding arbitrations that fail to take into account a city's ability to pay. This is the point I made initially. Thank you.
No, no. You can't use the "ability to pay" hogwash AFTER you sign the deal and make an agreement with people. Man up, raise revenue, and cover your obligations. The tea party mentality is perverse and is becoming detrimental to a functioning society. The taxes are not that high even though reactionaries and alarmists like to cry that the sky is falling.
the Stoffa hater has been deleted.
" The tea party mentality is perverse and is becoming detrimental to a functioning society."
That's exactly what King George thought, too! Thanks for making our anti-American sympathies clear. Long live our new monarch, the public sector union.
"Then you raise revenue. Wow, you'd think this is rocket science. "
It must be to you. I've pointed out several times that the revenue could be raised w/o a tax hike. But you seem intent on screwing the nonresident. Maybe folks like you and the Fleckster want to punish them bc you did not get your way with the NIZ. Or maybe you sold your soul to the unions, as the Fleckster has done.
Easton would be fools to pass this tax. The County and the college can give the City that pain right back in various ways.
It is yet another sign though that pension reform will be a when not an if. It'll probably take hundreds or thousands of municipalities on the brink of disaster or in disaster to change it, but it's coming.
what's really amazing is the superior difference in reasoning and logic from the realists and the obviously simplistic union comments.
The realists will always win as the union thugs come to the battle thoroughly uninformed, stupidly emotional and without any weapons except their scripted slogans.
The public sector unions will soon die a painful death by their own hands.
You will then hear a loud collective sigh of relieve and triumph from taxpayers.
Thank GOD and good riddance.
I'm a solid democrat, yet i love the "just raise taxes" mentality. MY income has taken a hit in this economy, yet the public sector unions want to raise MY taxes to pay their outrageous pension obligations.
You all are missing the point here. How many employees does the county have in the City of Easton? My guess is quite a few.
If the county wants to get ugly about it, they'll build on the land by Gracedale, move a ton of the desk jobs out there and really stick it to the residents of the city.
The County has at least 700 workers in the City. They could easily send half of them to Bethlehem an industrial park or the Gracedale campus. They could also turn down any KOZ request coming from Easton for the silk mill or the High School Hall of Fame. I doubt they would play that game, but Panto did not help his cause when he failed to even discuss his proposed commuter tax with the County. Then he compounded things by criticizing the County for taking an interest in their own employees. Just as Pawlowski blew the NIZ, Sal should have realized that this would concern the County and for good reason. hopefully, he has already reached out, which is more in his style.
The underfunding of pensions is a complex issue. One reason they are underfunded is because pension advisors used rates of return that were unrealistic. The catch up for the actual lower rates of return is why things are currently where they are. In the future, these higher rates of return may come back but because of the number of pensioners that are living longer the sustainability will still be difficult. Yes, reform is needed but the solution is not to have the middle class eat its own (public sector workers ARE the middle class too remember?).
Huntress, I am aware that public sector unions are basically middle class. But most clerical county employees are LOWER middle class or downright impoverished. They do not own vacation homes or boats. I do not want to see one public sector union jeopardize the welfare of these people to the point that their entire annual increase will just go to another union.
I have made clear that I think all public sector unions should be abolished. I realize that is an extreme and probably incorrect view, but believe it would be very smart for Easton;s unions to negotiate some give backs so Easton can avoid this tax. Easton should also ask the County and Lafayette for some kind of help.
the county is already planning on moving all their Human Services employees to an industrial park. this will just give them the excuse they need.
please don't send them to bethlum.we already have more than our fair share of worthless union hanger ons.
That's exactly what King George thought, too! Thanks for making our anti-American sympathies clear. Long live our new monarch, the public sector union.
Wow, you have really gone full blown tri-corner hat, haven't you?
It must be to you. I've pointed out several times that the revenue could be raised w/o a tax hike. But you seem intent on screwing the nonresident. Maybe folks like you and the Fleckster want to punish them bc you did not get your way with the NIZ. Or maybe you sold your soul to the unions, as the Fleckster has done.
Or I understand that our taxes aren't that high and an increase isn't going to destroy society as we know it. The no increase at any cost mentality is evident everywhere with crumbling infrastructure, crowded classrooms, and dwindling social services. But that's the world you evidently desire.
The realists will always win as the union thugs come to the battle thoroughly uninformed, stupidly emotional and without any weapons except their scripted slogans.
Nice theory but I am neither a union thug or member nor uneducated. I am simply opposed to people who want to screw workers from afar without having any clue whatsoever what they do on a daily basis.
I'm a solid democrat, yet i love the "just raise taxes" mentality. MY income has taken a hit in this economy, yet the public sector unions want to raise MY taxes to pay their outrageous pension obligations.
Outrageous? The unions aren't raising your taxes, their employer is which is the way they generate revenue. You make more widgets, the government (in this case, the people who protect you and risk their lives for you) are to be compensated with the agreed upon package. You can't start whining now. Well, you can, but you sound foolish.
The problem is that while you are supposedly "taking a hit" these people are too. Now you want to screw them over doubly because you believe you have a master-slave relationship.
Wait, union janitors and maintenance workers have vacation homes and boats?
Bwahaahahaha!!!
Cops and firemen do, to be sure.
In fairness to Sal, Bethlehem has fee and taxed people to death. Then they "borrow" money from thier authorites and have them do the cities dirty work. I give Panto credit for being more open and honest about how he collects money than Bethelhem.
I give Panto credit for his transparency and willingness to defend his positions. He is a good man who cares about Easton and has definitely made it a better place.
the primary reason people become cops or pole sliding fire boys is that they can sit around doing nothing and get paid for it as they are building a huge and undeserved pension as they suck down free coffee and donuts from WAWA.
the second reason is they think they are macho macho boys in their tight uniforms.
big gun, big hose - little wieners
the primary reason people become cops or pole sliding fire boys is that they can sit around doing nothing and get paid for it as they are building a huge and undeserved pension as they suck down free coffee and donuts from WAWA.
I suppose you are tight with THIS crowd, BOH?
Repugnant.
I want to Thank You Yankee's for the SSI, Welfare, Food Stamps, Free Medical care and free Housing!
Julio,
The Illegal!
Tea partiers, people who hate the police and firefighters, and racists. Nice blog.
tell stoffa he could have maybe have of the county work staff(maybe more)be called "work from home employees"!! do they realy have to be housed in the same building now a days? all work is done on VPN tunnels!
Are you kidding? BOH had a field day with LVEDC. Imagine how he'd excoriate rank and file workers working from home should they be spotted outside watering the lawn on a Friday afternoon!
NINE TO FIVE, PEOPLE!!! WE ARE PAYING FOR NINE TO FIVE!
Post a Comment