Think
before you vote
On June 9, the New Jersey
Supreme Court ruled to
uphold the 2011 law suspending COLA for retirees.
First, let me say that if anyone believes this was a ruling
based on legal argument and
JIM
rule of law, he or she has not
TOMA
been living in the same state
as the rest of us. All legal decisions are affected by politics, and when the
judiciary in the state is beholden to politicians for its appointments and continued
employment, then it would be naive to
believe it does not take into consideration
the wants and needs of those politicians.
So without blaming one particular party
(though five of the seven justices were
appointed by Republican governors, including four by Governor Christie), I think you
could have predicted what the odds were
that any decision was going to be handed
down in favor of public servants.
It’s not that I blame them; it’s the system
that’s corrupt, not the individuals.
So that brings us to what do we do about
it? Because personally, I refuse to give up or
talk about it without continuing on the mission to not forget these guys in need – the
thousands of our older members who retired
making $20,000 per year with no or reduced
social security benefits and who are living in
poverty. (For anyone who doesn’t
understand that or believe it please call,
email or come and talk to me and I will give
you examples, as many are too proud to ask
for help.)
As I mentioned, everything in New Jersey
is politically influenced, so remember who it
One more thing…
Just a reminder for all retired members applying for renewals of their RPO
carry permits: As stated in the NJ State
Statute, you must be “domiciled” in this
state to be issued a New Jersey RPO
permit.
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NEW
JERSEY COPS
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JULY 2016
is who hurt us; follow the line of appointments and make the politicians and their
political party pay for their hatred and vindictiveness against public servants. You may
have to vote against your long-held beliefs or
cross over party affiliations. But if you’re not
willing to make hard choices and assure the
politicians that there are consequences for
their votes and influenced appointments,
then we deserve all that has been thrown at
us.
Politicians are in the game to be reelected.
Our hope for the future is to change the faces
in the legislature to ones that respect and
appreciate us, and ones who care about the
less fortunate members in our ranks.
The State PBA leadership is working on
several options for future assistance to our
most vulnerable members as a starting
point, but needs assistance from legislators
who believe in compassion. So before you
say, “Well I always voted for this political
party,” look, listen and learn who is on your
side. Look deeper than rhetoric and slogans.
If your local state legislator seems like a good
guy and talks a good game but has voted
with Christie every time to hurt you and
refused to vote to override a veto even once,
then how do you pull the lever for him/her?
I know many have said, “Well it’s over; the
court has spoken.” But that’s not the final
word as we have the power to change hearts
and minds in the future. And if not hearts
and minds, then change the people.
Stay connected – I will keep you updated
and advised on the support we need to be
heard. d
SAVE THE DATE
August 9
Come to the next Local 600 meeting
Lacey Elks
900 Beach Blvd., Forked River
For info, call 732-636-0299
or visit njspba600.org