Firefighters face cuts — just like the rest of us
Letters to the Editor May 30, 2012 7:56PM
Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times
Updated: July 6, 2012 9:16AM
The firefighter union’s response to the city’s demand for concessions is understandable; the union’s negotiators are serving a constituency that expects nothing less than a status quo of progressive benefits.
But the union finds itself in a difficult position, namely that the taxpayer-funded troughs lay bare; innumerable taxpayers have lost their jobs or left the city, and many of those who remain find themselves on the dole.
The city’s position reflects our economic reality: We all need to take a haircut.
Michael Cox, Logan Square
Raise taxes to fund pensions
The state should increase taxes so that it can honor its pension obligations, or the state should go bankrupt and let a judge increase taxes.
Darold T. Barnum, Oak Park
Don’t cheat teachers out of their pensions
Your editorial supporting House Speaker Michael Madigan’s proposal to reduce the cost-of-living hikes for state pensions was unfair to retired educators in Illinois.
These folks have devoted themselves to educating our children.
We promised them a pension that keeps up with the standard of living other retirees enjoy. We cannot and must not cheat these people of their meager retirement benefits.
The lawmakers of Illinois should be ashamed of their proposal.
You should be ashamed of your editorial opinion.
Bill Long, Spring Grove
Meter firm demands to be fed
So every time a Chicago neighborhood wants to hold a street festival or parade it has to factor in the cost of paying Chicago Parking Meters LLC for the privilege of closing their own street?
Want your street repaired or new sewer lines? CPM has got their hand out.
Want to provide free parking for the disabled? Cough it up!
Sue Ellen Levins, Near North Side
