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Unions Opposing Pension Bill

Unions representing police, sheriff department deputies and correctional officers say bill will affect their members.

The union representing active and retired county police officers said Thursday his union will also oppose a currently before the Maryland General Assembly.

Cole Weston, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4, said he sent a letter opposing the bill to legislators representing the county.

"These career employees made a decision based upon state law that the county is seeking to change," Weston wrote in the letter. "It is inappropriate to subject them to a modified calculation."

County officials say the bill could by overturning a court ruling that said it was charging too much for a penalty on interest on pensions to retirees who transferred their state pension time into the county retirement system.

Weston, in an interview, said it is not uncommon for officers from state agencies to transfer to the Baltimore County Police Department.

Weston said the bill took him by surprise and he was working to determine exactly how many members were affected.

The county estimates that at least 150 employees will be affected.

Weston and John Ripley, president of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees, both say the number could be higher.

The Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees represents corrections officers, sheriff department deputies and other county employees.

Ripley is scheduled to testify before the Baltimore County House delegation Friday morning.

So far, only the union representing county fire fighters has backed the bill

Michael Day, president of the Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters, testified Tuesday before the House Appropriations Committee in favor of the bill.

Day also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System.

AdamBaum March 2, 2012 at 04:06 pm
Is it just me or does anyone else think it's strange that they let a man who has been convicted of running a Ponzi scam serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Employee Retirement System?
Greg Redmer March 2, 2012 at 05:08 pm
I believe it's a elected position. I do see the irony though.
Thomas Gunn March 2, 2012 at 10:36 pm
I know of no member of the retirement board that has been found guilty by any court. Your information is wrong.
johnny towson March 2, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Sure, it was just "friends helping friends." The irony of the foretelling name...
Jimmy March 3, 2012 at 03:52 am
If he wasn't found guilty then he rolled over on a plea agreement. Wasn't there an attempt to approve a bill recently that makes it illegal for someone with a criminal record to represent a bargaining unit in contract negociations? That bill was aimed at Mr. Day and another person. I think your info is wrong Mr. Gunn.
Thomas Gunn March 4, 2012 at 03:23 am
Mr. Day was not found guilty on any charges. While a bill was proffered by certain county councilman...The bill approved does not prevent Mr. Day or any authorized party elected to represent a certified labor union from the practice of negotiations.
Thomas Jefferson said "An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes." Jimmy get all the facts on the issue. You obvious have an issue with Mr. Day, Mr. Day nor Mr. Weston and Mr.Ripley are the issue of the story but "sideline Players" on the proposed bill before the General Assembly. "Cui prodest scelus, is fecit."
AdamBaum March 4, 2012 at 06:35 am
Isn't Mr Weston the guy who drunkenly pulled a handgun on two innocent people? Why is he even still a cop much less a FOP head?
kevin March 5, 2012 at 01:36 pm
Two innocent people? i don't think you know the facts .The people in that neighborhood didn't think they were innocent .
Bill Johnston March 6, 2012 at 11:26 pm
I wish these union guys would all put in for my pension (doesn't exist) and my insurance (I pay 100%). I wonder if I send a letter would these unions help fund us?
Jimmy March 15, 2012 at 12:08 am
To Bill Johnston: The problem is, you went into your job knowing your benefits. So did the county employees that are now, suddenly getting the rules changed. Many of these people have been planning their whole career when they can afford to retire based on their "contract" with the county. Now, the county wants to change the rules (and benefits) months before these people retire.
If I went into a job and was offered no pension, I would have put money into a retirement fund and planned for my retirement. If you didn't do that, shame on you but don't rain on other's parade because you didn't plan or are jealous.

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