RETIREMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
“That is how we will make the best deal for the members. We
will hold each company we deal with accountable.”
If he has to be a bit of a hard-ass trustee, that will come out
when assessing pension applications, especially those for dis-
ability pensions. Through his 29 years on the job, he has seen
a few too many members who have tried to game the system.
“If it’s a legitimate disability, they will find a best friend in
me,” he declares. “But we have to look at everything with a keen
eye to make sure we’re not taking money away from current re-
tirees and future retirees who really need it. I can’t imagine all 12
trustees not being on board with that.”
Fulfilling his quest
So, that just leaves two pieces of business to address before
sending Polkowitz off to make sure that this new pension sys-
tem achieves its maximum potential.
First is the issue that has been lingering on retired members’
minds since long before the beginning of this story. How can
COLA be increased to account for the 70- and 80-something
members – and even 90-something – who didn’t experience the
salaries that at least make retirement more palatable for those
who are hitting the pensionable age these days?
For that reason, Polkowitz does not want to be a COLA nut.
“We must have the ability to bring COLA back slowly but sure-
ly,” he reasons. “We don’t want to squander any positive gains
we have made over the years, but we have to do it by strength-
ening our portfolio. Clearly, I’m motivated to bring COLA back,
but it must be done prudently so it’s sustainable.”
And then there’s the issue of voting. After ballots come out on
or about Dec. 5, retired members can go to https://vote.elec-
tion-america.com/pfrs/ and find the name Bruce Polkowitz
36
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2018
listed second on the ballot. Check the box next to his name and
click return.
If anybody needs one more prompt to vote for Bruce, let’s
turn to NJ State PBA President Pat Colligan. Colligan has known
Bruce for 20 years, and he suspects retired members will be in-
spired by what he has come to count on when Polkowitz goes
full trustee:
“You can’t ignore Bruce Polkowitz,” the PBA president charges.
So Colligan is calling on all PBA Locals to reach out to their
retired members. He advocates doing that all the time anyway,
but this time, it’s more crucial than ever. All active members
will retire someday – and want to look forward to retiring – so
to make sure that there will be a pension now and forever, he
wants all members to heed this message:
“We can’t let somebody get elected who never wanted this
system from the beginning. Bruce brings a fresh perspective,
and he is taking this responsibility to heart both morally and
fiduciarily.”
Or, in other words, Bruce Polkowitz believes it can be done.