Seeking some answers

To the editor,

Once again we hear the wailing from Springfield for more tax money. I see that we tax payers have been threatened and our political leaders will cut law enforcement, let convicts loose on the streets, cut education funding and medical services if we don’t give in.

First of all I don’t respond very well to threats, but that aside I have several questions and anxiously await some answers.

At no time have I seen any attempt to correct any of the problems that have put us in the condition we are in. I’m told that the state pays a huge amount each year for consultant fees. What’s the worst thing that could happen if these consultants were reduced or eliminated?

How much would it help the budget if all office holders and appointed positions were to have their salaries and expense accounts cut 10 percent?

Federal employees and workers in other states have to pay a portion of their health insurance costs. Why can’t state employees in Illinois do that?

Employees in other states, federal employees and workers in the private sector have to pay at least 7 percent of their gross pay into the retirement fund. Why can’t that be in this state?

Why can’t the amount of retirement benefits for the governing work force be limited to $80,000 or $90,000 per year. That’s four to five times more than Social Security and other pension payouts here in Southern Illinois.

I’m sure most have heard about a state retiree, who was drawing $70,000 a year pension, that was appointed as a director of one of our state agencies. He was employed for three months and increased his pension to $120,000 per year.

And they wonder why we tax payers are so disillusioned. Why can’t some of the patronage jobs that have so little benefit to the tax payers be eliminated?

I was recently told of a position with the state that draws a very healthy salary and their sole job is to check for revenue stickers on soda machines at service stations, laundromats and such.

I know for sure there are people on the payroll that stop traffic occassionally to check farmers fuel tanks to make sure they are using the right kind of diesel fuel. Now that’s really cost efficient isn’t it?

I still hear rumors about “Ghost Employees” at some of the state offices and if any of this would be true isn’t that an opportunity to reduce expenditures?

But down deep in my heart I know the real reason that Springfield won’t change their way of doing business is that it might greatly reduce campaign contributions and getting re-elected is much more important than tax payers well being. Just to show that we still pay attention and still care lets all call the governor’s office and voice our concerns.

Signed, Joe Frick, Jonesboro