Letters: Phila. mired in pension mess

ISSUE | PHILA. PENSIONS

Windfalls and scraps

Two stories in Monday's paper were perfect examples of the inequity between the haves and have-nots.

Former Philadelphia employees such as Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson pull down more than $100,000 a year in pension money ("Long gone, but still drawing big bucks"). Not bad for people who have vacated their offices but can thank the taxpayers who foot the bill.

On the other end of the spectrum are elderly residents who are struggling to get by on an average of $16,429 a year in Social Security ("Retirement a tough job in Philadelphia"). One might think the seniors could use a little help to make ends meet and live in dignity. Think again.

|Peter Tobia, Philadelphia, petertobia1@verizon.net

Debt KO's pre-K

The fact that Philadelphia is $5.9 billion short of its pension liabilities reaffirmed my position that Mayor Kenney's prekindergarten plan is ludicrous. While, as a teacher, I see the value of pre-K education, the city cannot afford another major liability.

Philadelphia has an underfunded school district, underfunded pension fund, infrastructure repair needs, and a host of other issues to deal with. Let's deal with them before taking on another major responsibility that, given the city's track record, is likely to have a funding crisis.

|Nick D'Orazio, Philadelphia, nickdorazio01@gmail.com

No taxes for fund

I am a soda drinker and would gladly pay 3 cents an ounce in sugary-beverage taxes if every penny went to our prekindergarten children and parks and recreation centers - and not to the pension fund. If the pension plan is in need of fixing, let Mayor Kenney and city workers past and present, who are getting or stand to collect pensions, fix it - not the people of Philadelphia.

Also, the city could save a lot of money and build up the pension fund by getting rid of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) perk.

|Rodger Ryan, Philadelphia