By Michael J. Whelan
I’ve talked about this subject before, but it’s been some time ago. It came back to me when I read Tuesday’s editorial in The Pantagraph about the seemingly endless nightmare of the teacher pension fund problems.
The gist of it is that school districts throughout the State of Illinois continue to sweeten the pensions of retiring teachers and administrators in spite of a 2005 state law that penalizes school districts for doing so. Since 2005 Unit 5 has incurred about a quarter million dollars in penalties, and District 87 has racked up just over $100,000.00 in penalties. And, to date, neither district has paid the full amount of their respective fines!
On what planet are these school districts and school boards living, for the love of the Almighty? Keep in mind that these are the same folks who are charged with the responsibility of instilled good values and habits in their students! When oh when is this type of utter greed and fiscal irresponsibility going to stop?
Many years ago the late great Chicago newspaper columnist Mike Royko suggested that the corporate seal and motto of the city of Chicago be changed to portray an outstretched hand, palm up, with a new motto of “where’s mine?”
I truly believe this should become the new seal and motto of every taxing body in the state.
Michael J. Whelan has been a licensed practicing attorney for over 33 years. He also serves as an arbitrator in the 11th Judicial Circuit Mandatory Arbitration program. In addition, he is presently the president of the board of directors of his homeowners association, and is also a member of the board of directors of The Old House Society. He and his wife of thirty-one plus years, Cheryl Whelan, live in Bloomington. He and Cheryl enjoy exercising, reading, and being close to family and friends.
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