Crazy Massachusetts Pensions

2 days work, $3M in pensions

2011-10-25T04:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-illinois-pension-reform-20111025,0,5364892.story

and http://reason.com/blog/2011/10/24/substitute-teach-for-one-day-q

Two union lobbyists each work 1 day as a school sub, now eligible for $millions in pension benefits.

SPRINGFIELD—

— House lawmakers attacked union pension abuses Monday in response to Tribune/WGN-TV investigations, including one that exposed how two lobbyists got public teacher pensions for a single day of substitute teaching.

The investigation found Steven Preckwinkle, the Illinois Federation of Teachers' political director, and fellow lobbyist David Piccioli had used a now-closed loophole that allowed them to count their years in the teacher union toward a state teacher pension. The two lobbyists had no prior teaching experience before they substituted a day, a union spokesman said.

Money for Nothing

2011-10-25T04:04:00.000-07:00

http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1375851

Former Weymouth Mayor David Madden executed a potentially lucrative maneuver on his way out the door — stepping down as mayor and arranging for himself a brief no-show job as fire chief, retiring days later in a bid to boost his pension by $33,558, according to documents and frustrated state regulators, who lost their battle over the benefits before an appellate board and now plan to sue.

A minor win?

2009-12-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

Judge rejects T workers effort to block benefit cuts

)December 29, 2009 02:25 PM

By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff

A Suffolk Superior Court judge has dealt a significant blow to MBTA employees fighting a cut in their benefits, saying in a key ruling released yesterday that a group of 22 labor unions was unlikely to win a lawsuit attempting to block Governor Patrick's transportation plan.

The unions had argued in a lawsuit filed in September that Patrick's plan to save up to $30 million a year through cuts to worker and retiree benefits illegally subverts collective bargaining rights by changing their benefits without going to the negotiating table.

They say they earned the benefits over many years and that the T's real problem is the debt that has piled up... (See story for more)

And Revere FF's, too

2009-11-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

This guy is working full time in an auto-body shop, yet claiming a disability pension. This is one we need to follow.

Fire Lt. Working On Disability May Get Retirement

BOSTON (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: John Curley
WBZ

Revere Fire Lieutenant John Curley is too sick to work as a firefighter for the city, but not too sick to clock in at this own business while collecting a full paycheck on the taxpayers' dime. "Do me a favor, contact my attorney please," Curley told the I-Team.

http://wbztv.com/local/revere.firefighter.iteam.2.1321015.html

More good news

2009-11-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hack’s pension loss the final indignity

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1211009

Proposal: No pensions at all for elected officials

2009-10-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

I've made this proposal before, but want to repeat it; elected officials should not receive any pension credit for their time in office. Term limits may not be constitutional, but I bet this would be legal, and would have the same effect- legislators who serve one or two terms, then return to their real jobs. The alternative is career politicians, who accumulate power, and as the saying goes, all-too-often then become corrupted.

Halleluja

2009-10-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Retirement board suspends DiMasi pension

By State House News Service
Thursday, October 29, 2009 -

The state Retirement Board voted today to suspend the pension of former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, who is battling public corruption charges. But under the vote, which was taken in closed executive session, DiMasi will receive $25,000 in pension payments dating back to June, with the suspension of his pension effective on November 1.

Treasurer Tim Cahill, who oversees the retirement board, administratively suspended DiMasi’s pension on June 9, seven days after his indictment on charges that he allegedly used his office to secure contracts aimed at enriching himself and three associates.

It's not just Boston. Haverhill FF's are pretty shameless.

2009-09-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

I especially admire the guy moving furniture. I don't really blame the guy at the hockey game, I could go watch my kid play a game if I'm sick. Shovelers and movers though, deserve what they get.

http://www.eagletribune.com/permalink/local_story_254000714.html

Firefighters laughed, joked when they called in sick

By Shawn Regan
sregan@eagletribune.com

September 11, 2009 01:04 am

—

HAVERHILL — One firefighter who has been suspended for violating sick-leave rules joked and laughed with a dispatcher when he called in sick in December.

Another firefighter who called in sick said, "I'm supposed to work but I don't want to.''

A third firefighter made reference to the fact that someone, possibly a supervisor, would be angry that he was calling in sick for the second time in a short period.

That is according to audio tapes of the conversations released by the city. All calls to the fire dispatch center are recorded.

The city's personnel office released the audio tapes to The Eagle-Tribune yesterday, two days after Mayor James Fiorentini suspended firefighters Christopher Cesati, George Sarrette and Andrew Lafferty for 10 days without pay and Raymond Robinson for five days without pay.

Fiorentini's decision mirrors the recommendation of the lawyer who presided over hearings on the city's case against the firefighters, except that the hearing officer, lawyer Michael Marks of Lynn, recommended Robinson be suspended for only one day. The firefighters have refused to explain their side of the events — declining comment to The Eagle-Tribune and refusing to testify at the city hearings.

Sarrette, a former president of the firefighters union, called in sick Dec. 22.

"I'm supposed to work, but I don't want to," Sarrette is heard on the audio tape telling the dispatcher, who is another firefighter working a shift at the emergency dispatch center.

The dispatcher responded by asking Sarrette if he wanted to use sick time to cover his full 24-hour shift.

"Ya, probably. Might as well. (Expletive) it," Sarrette answered.

The dispatched responded, "Ya, if you're gonna take a day off you gotta get healthy. I'll put you in for 24 — you're out.''

Marks' report says Sarrette called in sick for a shift that started at 8 a.m. At about 3 p.m., Sarrette was videotaped by a private investigator shoveling snow in his driveway and clearing snow from a car in an adjacent garage, according to Marks' report.

After removing snow, Sarrette picked up a female passenger and proceeded to Central Plaza, where he parked in the fire lane at the Rite Aid store while his passenger entered the store, the report says. At 4:30 p.m., Sarrette made another stop at Market Basket Supermarket, the report says.

"The video over the next hour shows Mr. Sarrette performing errands at several stores in the Haverhill area, arriving home at 7:30 p.m.," the report says.

Cesati called in sick Dec. 18 for a 24-hour shift. On the audio tape, the dispatcher is heard questioning Cesati about why he is calling in sick so close to the start of his shift. Cesati tells the dispatcher that someone is "gonna lose his (expletive)" when he learns Cesati has called in sick for the second time in recent days, to which the dispatcher agrees.

"He's gonna lose his mind? Ya, I'm sure," the dispatcher says.

"I'll be out the full 24 this time," Cesati said.

Later that day at 7 p.m., private investigators videotaped Cesati arrive at his home in a Budget Rental Truck, according to Marks' report.

Cesati directed the unidentified driver of the truck to back the truck onto his lawn, the report says. Cesati then began moving boxes, furniture and other household items from the home into the truck, the report says.

"At one point, video surveillance showed Mr. Cesati putting a ladder to the second floor window of his home so that a bureau could be removed and carried down the ladder and into the truck," the report says. "Mr. Cesati made numerous trips from the home to the truck carrying household items and furniture."

When Robinson called in sick, he and the dispatcher could be heard laughing on the tape.

"Robby calling in sick," the conversation begins.

"You sound like (expletive) Robby," the dispatcher says, laughing.

"Oh yaa," Robinson says, as both men continue laughing.

Robinson called in sick Dec. 30. He was videotaped later that evening driving his Dodge Caravan to the New England Sports Center, an ice-skating facility in Marlborough, according to Marks' report.

"Mr. Robinson can be seen in the viewing gallery watching a hockey game," the report says. "During the event, Mr. Robinson was summoned to the (ice) to assist a player. He can be seen jogging around the rink and onto the ice, where he provided assistance to the player. At approximately 9:45 p.m., Mr. Robinson, along with what appear to be his children, proceed to the parking area and leave the sports center. He returned home at 10:30 and remained home until surveillance ceased at 12:30 a.m."

The city was unable to locate an audio tape of Lafferty calling in sick, City Solicitor William Cox said.

Lafferty, also a former union president, called in sick Dec. 23. During what would have been his work shift, he was videotaped shoveling snow in front of a home and on its stairs and porch, Marks' report says. Later, he drove to a Taco Bell restaurant, the report says.

The firefighters were videotaped by private detectives after the firefighters union complained about attendance counseling offered by the fire chief, according to city officials.

"The audio tapes provide a glimpse into what appears to be the culture surrounding use of sick time in the Haverhill Fire Department," Marks' report says of the calls made by the firefighters.

Fire Chief Borden began the disciplinary process in July by suspending each firefighter without pay for five days, with a recommendation to increase the suspensions to 30 days with Fiorentini's approval. The firefighters appealed Borden's decision, triggering the hearings overseen by Marks that concluded last month.

The firefighters may appeal Fiorentini's decision to the state Civil Service Commission and then the courts, but the city does not have to wait for those appeals to suspend the firefighters, the mayor said.

The days of the suspensions are to be determined by the fire chief and may be staggered to minimize the impact on the department, according to the mayor's decision.

Fiorentini has said only firefighters with a history of excessive or questionable use of sick leave were targeted in the surveillance operation, which cost the city about $13,000. The mayor said he targeted firefighters because they had been calling in sick at a much greater rate than other city workers.

Since the videotaping became public knowledge in July, Fiorentini said the rate at which firefighters have been calling in sick has significantly declined.

The union fought to hold the disciplinary hearings behind closed doors and keep the names of the accused firefighters secret.

On Wednesday, the firefighters posted an Internet YouTube audio tape of conversations between the Borden and Marks from the closed-door hearings. The snippets purport to show Borden and Marks making disparaging comments about firefighters in general, but Borden has said his comments were taken out of context. The city solicitor has said the conversation was recorded secretly by firefighters at the hearing. The mayor has said the city is investigating were the audio recording was made illegally.

Haverhill city official loses pension

2009-09-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

Good job, whoever caught this guy. How many more are out there?

Haverhill city official loses pension

rj

HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) - The former head of Haverhill's public works department, convicted of using his job to benefit his own paving and home building businesses, now faces losing his pension.

The city's Retirement Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to revoke the more than $65,000 annual pension of former Highway Department Superintendent James Flaherty.

Flaherty's lawyer, Scott Gleason, tells The Eagle-Tribune he will appeal the decision in court.

Flaherty and his son Kevin, a former foreman in the department, were convicted in June of felony larceny for stealing paving material from the city while they were employed there.

James Flaherty is serving six months of a two-year suspended sentence under house arrest. Kevin Flaherty was released after serving two months of a four-month sentence.

Firefighters at it again- thanks for the robocall

2009-07-09T04:11:00.000-07:00

I received a robo-call from the Firefighters' Union this week, telling me that Mayor Menino's recklessness was allowing stations to be closed because he won't pay overtime.

My understanding is this;

- Boston FF's call in sick at a very high rate compared to other departments

- This is worse on holidays, indicating that it is not merely a bad case of the cold or flu going around

- If a FF calls in sick, not only do they get the day off, but one of their colleagues gets paid OT to fill in for them. Win-Win! (but not for the taxpayer)

- Stations have always been closed periodically for training.

- Stations in much of Boston are located every mile or so.

I think the Chief and Mayor are doing the right thing on this one.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/07/08/a_firefight_in_the_hub/

Random Hacks - ripping us off

2009-06-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hack stiffed on ki$$ is cause to re-Joyce

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?&articleid=1181666&format=&page=1&listingType=col#articleFull

Didn't we just pass a law that you can't pad your pension with all of this non-base pay crap?

Pension a bounty shared 2 Essex County officials approved each others' deals

2009-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Pension a bounty shared

2 Essex County officials approved each others' deals

You approve mine, and I'll approve yours.

Despite ethics bill, lobbyists carry on

2009-06-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Despite ethics bill, lobbyists carry on

Fund-raisers still a key resource for politicians

This isn't exactly pension related. But it's similarly smelly.

Martha Coakly is on WTTK at this very moment complaining that the legislature is not granting her office the authority that most AGs have to conduct ethics related investigations, including wire-tapping and subpoena powers.

A very busy week, including some good news

2009-06-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

Lawmakers agree on pension bill

But it's not enough: see the Herald: Bill to reform pension abuse called 1st step, but not enough

"Cost savings from the bill are limited because it targets a very small population of the most jaw-dropping abuses, said Sen. Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) who sat on the committee that released the bill."

Ed: I like this Panagiotakos guy!

Also: DiMasi's pension suspended

(ed: I'm surprised he was only taking in ~$50k)

Indict Cahill and revoke Ms. Shea's pension immediately

2009-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Why is it even possible to pass a special rule like this for one person?

This seems criminal.

Indict Cahill.
Launch immediate ethics reviews of his office and fund-raising.
Revoke Shea's pension.

If special rules can enhance a pension, then special rules should be able to revoke.

Senators? Representatives? Who's got the guts to take action?

-----------------------------------

Cahill voted to double supporter's pension

By Sean P. Murphy and Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | June 10, 2009

A longtime political supporter and fund-raiser for state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill is collecting the kind of lucrative pension typically reserved for public safety personnel such as police and prison guards, even though she held administrative jobs in the Norfolk County sheriff's office.

Cahill voted to approve the hazardous duty pension for Josephine E. Shea in 2000, while he was still Norfolk County treasurer and chairman of the Norfolk County Retirement Board, according to public records.

Shea, who retired that year at age 49, has been collecting a pension now worth $47,000 a year, plus health-care insurance, paid by Norfolk county taxpayers. If she had received the kind of pension usually given to sheriff's department administrators, instead of the type Norfolk corrections officers get for their potentially dangerous jobs, her pension would be worth less than half that, $21,230 a year.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/10/cahill_voted_to_double_supporters_pension/

Radio Boston- Reform Before Revenue.

2009-06-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Podcast: http://www.radioboston.org/shows/2009/05/04/pension-reform-before-revenue/

Also available on iTunes

Pension Reform Before Revenue

Posted by Mark Navin, Senior Producer, Monday, May 4th, 2009

Show airs: 05/08/2009

Governor Deval Patrick has been pushing pension reform on Beacon Hill, and despite the state’s dire financial need, says he might veto tax increase legislation unless lawmakers include reform as part of their agenda. Some say the move is a political one, with the Governor and others grabbing onto a populist issue that would have little real financial effect, while others say, if not now, when is the right time for pension reform?

Lots of OT, but what is their regular job?

2009-05-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

At BRA, pair got extra $52,300 to do odd jobs

Officials are vague on staffers' duties

$60-$70k salaries, plus OT. And what will their pensions be?

Everyone else is writing about taxes today. How about Beacon Hill's Self-Dealing?

2009-05-20T03:41:00.000-07:00

Beacon Hill politicians mum on staff pay

This is complete bullshit. What happened to reform? What happened to transparency? And with all of these staffers, our representatives still don't know what's in the thousand page bills they vote on.

Remember, almost every $90k/year staffer will be taking home a sweet pension after their 20+ years. FOR LIFE, while their bosses just voted to raise your taxes.

Call your rep TODAY and ask how many staffers they have and what their names are. Send your results here.

More than three-quarters of Beacon Hill lawmakers - including the House speaker and Senate president - threw up “a veil of secrecy” when pressed for the size and salaries of their taxpayer-paid staff, even as they are muscling through wallet-crippling tax hikes

See complete story.

Thanks to the State, Lexington, Newton police, too

2009-05-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Man shot in Lexington after police pursuit, standoff

Thank you BPD for arresting a long list of bad guys

2009-05-18T17:05:00.001-07:00

This looks like an example of a good day's work. I try not to be a critic every day; so thank you, BPD. (I do find it humorous that a few of these guys busted for failure to attend jury duty)

OPERATION SPRING CLEAN UP LANDS 86 BEHIND BARS

The Boston Police Department in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies executed a proactive warrant sweep over the weekend known as Operation Spring Clean Up specifically targeting fugitives who are wanted on drug and gang-related charges. The sweep utilized resources from Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force, the Fugitive and Apprehension Team, the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, the Massachusetts State Police, the Parole Department, the Probation Department, the US Marshals and Boston Police Officers from the local District Stations. The successful effort yielded 86 arrests.

In addition to warrant sweeps and aggressive enforcement of impact players, the Boston Police Department continues to assertively undertake the following initiatives to prevent further violent incidents:

--snip----

The following individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants as a result of the two-day operation:

• Hosa Robinson, 35, arrested at 75 Boylston Street (A-1), the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Shawn White, 31, arrested at Saratoga Street (A-7), on the charges of Possession of a class A Substance.
• Jordi Dejuses, 17, arrested at 20 Trenton Street (A-7), on the charges of Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon.
• Fadia Petithommmne, 26, arrested at 49 Georgia Street (B-2), on the charges of Assault & Battery and Larceny of an automobile.
• Tory Owens, 35, arrested at 290 Ruggles Street (B-2), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Jose Nunez, 24, arrested at 37 Leyland Street (B-2), on the charges of Threats to commit a crime.
• Anthony Ertha , 33, arrested on Dudley Street (B-2), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon.
• Alberto Lawrence, 17, arrested at 139 Crawford Street (B-2), on the charges of Using a motor vehicle without authority.
• Tamba Foday-Ngongou, 23, arrested at 34 Danube (B-2), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Terrance Jones, 32, arrested on Blue Hill Avenue (B-2), on
the charges of Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon.
• Patrick Medley, 18, arrested at 57 Rutland Street (B-2), on the charges of Armed Robbery.
• Kenneth Farmer, 48, arrested at 87 Maple Street (B-2), on the charges of Concealing Merchandise.
• Gregory Lowe, 25, arrested at 92 Howland Street (B-2), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• April Smith, 20, arrested at 115 Regent Street (B-2), on the charges of Publishing false writings.
• Aida Molina, 34, arrested at 50 Julien Street (B-2), on the charges of Operating a motor vehicle after license suspension.
• Keita Freeman, 33, arrested at 308 Talbot Avenue (B-3), on the charges of Receiving stolen property.
• Lonnie Avante, 36, arrested on Norfolk Street (B-3), on the charges of Possession of an illegal substance with intent to distribute.
• 16 Year-old Juvenile, arrested at 41 Hiawatha Road (B-3), on the charges of Receiving a stolen motor vehicle and resisting arrest.
• Maxime Thevenin, 21, arrested at 3 Oakhurst Street (B-3), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Thomas Grant, 40, arrested at 85 Floyd Street (B-3), on the charges of Threats to commit a crime.
• Lester Costa, 56, arrested at 35 Courtland Street (B-3), on the charges of Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash with property damage.
• Kenneth Harris, 26, arrested at 12 Johnson Terrace (B-3), on the charges of Operating a motor vehicle without a license.
• Lashonda Johnson, 29, arrested at 125 Southern Avenue (B-3), on the charges of Illegal possession of a class D substance.
• Darlene Stewart, 18, arrested at 28 Dyer Street (B-3), on the charges of Shoplifting.
• Kyle Sprinkle, 21, arrested at 9 Whitfield Street (B-3), on the charges of Unarmed robbery and Attempted breaking & entering.
• Jessica Quinerly, 25, arrested at 10 Talbot Avenue (B-3), on the charges of Assault & Battery with injuries.
• Alexander Singleton, 18, arrested at 50 Burke Street (C-6), on the charges of Unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Bryan Nadeau, 22, arrested on Dorchester Avenue (C-11), on the charges of Possession of a class D substance.
• Jermaine Garvin, 26, arrested at 74 Tonawanda Street (C-11), on the charges of Possession of a class D substance.
• Daniel Larkins, 24, arrested at 751 Washington Street (C-11), on the charges of Possession of a loaded firearm.
• Derrek White, 26, arrested on Geneva Avenue (C-11), on the charges of Possession of a class D substance.
• Michael Satori, 21, arrested at 27 Hilltop Street (C-11), on the charges of Possession of a class B, C & D substance.
• Luciano Pires, 24, arrested on Dorchester Avenue (C-11), on the charges of Graffiti / Tagging.
• Lanishae Mccrory, 17, arrested at 555 Washington Street (C-11), on the charges of Parole violation.
• Larry Banks, 49, arrested at 130 Bowdoin Street (C-11), on the charges of Failure to register as a sex offender.
• 16 Year-old female Juvenile, arrested at 40 Gibson Street (C-11), on the charges of Juvenile delinquency-to witt: Assault & Battery.
• Keyson Wilson, 26, arrested at 83 Norton Street (C-11), on the charges of Assault & Battery, Operating a motor vehicle without a license and Possession of a class D substance.
• Thomas Kinsella, 23, arrested on Harrison Avenue (D-4), on the charges of Trespassing.
• Miguel Angel Morales, 27, arrested at 800 Boylston Street (D-4), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous weapon and Sex Offender.
• Kimberly Godfrey, 42, arrested at 5 Copley Place (D-4), on the charges of Assault & Battery on a Police Officer and Larceny over $250.
• Richard Pina, 46, arrested at 497 Boylston Street (D-4), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon and Shoplifting.
• Michelle Healey, 42, arrested at 53 South Waverly Street (D-14), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance.
• Pierre Francois, 32, arrested on Western Avenue (D-14), on the charges of Failure to attend jury duty.
• Joseph Johnson, 35, arrested at 1225 Hyde Park Avenue (E-13), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon.
• Geneva Isaac, 35, arrested at 12 Rockvale (E-13), on the charges of Failure to attend jury duty.
• Felipe Caribe, 58, arrested at 143 Heath Street (E-13), on the charges of Attempt to commit a crime.
• Amos Thomas, 29, arrested at 360 Walnut Street (E-13), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Richard Maldonado, 20, arrested at 26 Saint Rose Street (E-13), on the charges of Assault & Battery.
• Remus Pagan, 28, arrested on Washington Street (E-13), on the charges of Common Nightwalking and Possession of a class E substance.
• Elizabeth Garcia, 33, arrested at 640 American Legion Highway (E-18), on the charges of Prostitution.
• Jonoah Harris, 20, arrested at 196 Greenfield Road (E-18), on the charges of Breaking & Entering a Dwelling house.
• Thomas Guiney, 46, arrested at 27 Hallron Street (E-18), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous weapon.
• Barry Bartel, 37, arrested on Richmere road (E-18), on the charges of Assault & Battery by means of a Dangerous weapon.
• Kester Gilles, 26, arrested on River Street (E-18), on the charges of Possession of a class D substance.
• Alberto Vilegas, 45, arrested at 87 Belnel road (E-18), on the charges of Possession of a class D substance.
• Kal Mack, 37, arrested at 89 Wood Street (E-18), on the charges of Threats to commit a crime.
• Lawrence Clark, 47, arrested on Harmon Street (E-18), on the charges of Larceny.
• Dewane Tse, 25, arrested on Massachusetts Avenue (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of Crack Cocaine.
• Fernando Vargas, 28, arrested at 574 Third Avenue (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class A substance.
• Corey Le, 19, arrested at 8 Train Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Unlawful Possession of a firearm.
• Helson Lopez, 28, arrested at 574 East Third Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class A substance.
• Matthew Mahoney, 32, arrested on East 4th Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession of a class A substance.
• Carl Anderson Jr., 28, arrested at 934 Blue Hill Avenue (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Operating a motor vehicle after license suspension.
• Nicholas Abban, 26, arrested on East 4th Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession of a class A substance.
• Kesner Forestale, 29, arrested on Morton Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Operating a motor vehicle after license suspension.
• Brian Laws, 40, arrested on Vermont Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance.
• John Russo, 47, arrested on Vermont Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Conspiracy to violate the drug laws.
• Richard Jarrett, 30, arrested on Morton Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Terrance Johnson, 26, arrested on Dudley Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• David Tapper, 22, arrested at 73 Dakota Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession with intent to distribute a class A substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• James Gunn, 41, arrested on Warren Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Eduardo Diaz, 24, arrested on Rockdale Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class A substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Jerry Washington, 28, arrested on Moreland Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Geraldo Valentin, 34, arrested on Topeka Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Carrying a dangerous weapon.
• Jason Cotto, 35, arrested on Washington Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class C substance.
• Daniel Revallion, 38, arrested on River Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance.
• Laurie Rodrigues, 39, arrested on River Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance and Operating a motor vehicle after license suspension.
• Alejandro Garcia, 19, arrested at 89 Bunker Hill (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Phillip Saggase, 53, arrested on Monument Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges of Distribution of a class B substance within 1000 feet of a school zone.
• Aleida Wood, 22, arrested at 273 East Berkeley Street (by Drug Control Unit Officers), on the charges Distribution of a class A substance.
• Richard King, 20, arrested at 54 Leonard Street (by the Fugitive Unit), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute.
• Anthony Davis, 27, arrested at 1165 Blue Hill Avenue (by the Fugitive Unit), on the charges of Unlawful possession of a firearm.
• Carlos Caban, 43, arrested on Estrella Street (by the Youth Violence Strike Force), on the charges of Larceny over $250.
• Charles Mickiel James, 21, arrested on 30 Creston Street (by the Youth Violence Strike Force), on the charges of Violation of parole.
• Mustafa Yahya, 33, arrested at 9 Creston Street (by the Youth Violence Strike Force), on the charges of Assault with intent to murder.
• Dana Gallop, 25, arrested on Warren Street (by the Youth Violence Strike force), on the charges of Possession of a class B substance and Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcoho

Old news on Deval's neighbor

2009-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Old news, just posting it as a reminder.

The real estate developer chosen by Governor Deval Patrick to distribute billions of dollars in federal stimulus money has been receiving a state pension ever since he was fired from his job at a state development agency in 1995, according to state records.... [U]nder a Massachusetts pension law intended to protect patronage hires from retribution, his firing entitled him to begin collecting an enhanced state pension while he was in his mid-40s....

State retirement records show that Simon has been paid $29,000 to $32,000 a year since December 1995 with his enhanced, early pension. He has collected $403,751.84 in all, according to state records.

Blue Mass Posters have the right idea, however-

You know, it's this kind of thing that makes folks who aren't reflexively anti-government want to pull out their own fingernails. Governor Patrick campaigned successfully on the notion that people should put down their cynicism about government. That's all well and good, but government has a role to play in that equation: it needs to make a conscious effort to eliminate the practices that have built up that cynicism in the first place. And I'm afraid that the pension system, with all of its quirks and loopholes and back alleys that all seem to wind up with able-bodied people in their 40s receiving a pension, is Exhibit A.

Simon's got his pension, and there's not much to be done about that. Seems to me the least he could do, if he really wants to oversee the stimulus, is decline the $150,000 salary and take $1 a year instead (as I already suggested). It's not like he needs the money, and it would send the right message.

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=3ED83CAD89F2DE60B6DD73D2D4579D64?diaryId=14782

Local opinion on Legislative pensions & Quinn Bill

2009-05-18T10:29:00.001-07:00

Recent Herald Polls:

Herald Pulse

Question of the week: Is it time to ax Quinn bill education bonuses for police officers for good?

78% - Yes

22% - No

---------

Last week’s question of the week: Should lawmakers get rid of a pension perk that allows state and elected employees to double their pensions if they are fired or lose their job abruptly?

Yes: 88 percent

No: 12 percent

I'll betcha

2009-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'll betcha that in a year or two, once the economy begins to improve, our civil unions will throw this at us: "In the interest of the public that we serve so selflessly, we generously and responsibly gave up raises or took small decreases in wages during the recession of 2008/2009. Now that things are better in 2010, we need an 8% (or larger!) raise to make up for the 4% we didn't get last year."

Mark my words.

The toughest one to solve

2009-05-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

Here's the toughest issue to solve. Please send in your ideas.

I think that unions and politicians are in cahoots. Politicians KNOW they can't afford a big raise during contract talks, so the union reduces their demand for a pay-raise from (example) 8% to "only 3% plus another pension perk" and the pols kick the can down the road 10 or 20 years. THIS IS THE HARD ONE TO SOLVE!

Globe Editorial: How Pensions go awry

2009-05-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ed comment: I should point out that I'm not rabidly against all pensions. Cops and firemen do deserve solid benefits, so that the dangers of their profession do not limit their career. And I don't have a big problem with pensions in general, especially if there is a tradeoff with social security.

Where my hackles get raised is when pensions are, in my opinion, excessive or abused. From my understanding, pensions are intended so that we do not become destitute in our old age when we can no longer work. I also believe that governmental pensions were traditionally somewhat generous as compensation for wages that lagged the private sector.

My concerns include:

Public sector wages are no longer lagging private sector wages. Police officers, as just one example, seem to make close to six figures. While this includes overtime, it still probably outpaces their peers (college grads with professional positions) in the private sector. Additionally, most college grads in the private sector are salaried, so they might work 45 or 50 or 60 hours for their salary.

Spiking the system: The military is well known as a career from which you can retire (if you don't get killed in combat) after 20 years. However, the pension is based on your last 3 years (I think) of BASE wages only. Various allowances like meals allowance, combat pay, parachute/danger pay, flight pay, etc., are not included in pension calculations. It really "frosts my nose" when I hear about perks in our local systems such as the ability to count OT or unused sick time as part of your pension calculation, not to mention legislators receiving pensions AFTER THEY ARE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE.

Limits: I've frequently heard that the average state pension is around $20k. Look, if you were a clerk or drove a bus for 20 years, I don't begrudge you your $20k/year. I do, however, have a problem with any pension that equates to more than what most of us earn while working. I think there should be a pension cap of $75k or $100k/year. Bottom line- that's enough to live on, and we're paying you to keep you out of the poorhouse, not to fund your Cape home or boat or your grand-kids' college.

Legislators: Should NOT receive any pension. At all. You do not have a job, you are representing the people for your elected term. Perhaps removing pensions for elected officials would serve as a term-limit; an idea we all seem to like but which may not be constitutional.

More on this later. Brief note from the Globe below.

How pensions go awry

On Sunday, the Globe editorial page considered the way public pension expenses grow out of control. Dozens of special bills designed to enhance the pensions of individuals - or move whole classes of state employees into a pension category that offers more generous benefits - are a regular fixture on Beacon Hill. We called out some of the more egregious ones.
Discuss

COMMENTS (1)
Many boston.com readers responded with suggestions about how to reform the system. VastConspirator asked, "How about no pensions until age 65? The taxpayers who fund the pension system have to wait until age 65 to get Social Security. How much money could the state save if we made that the minimum age for collecting pensions?" Other readers advocated putting workers into 401(k) plans instead of defined-benefit pensions.

But another reader noted that the state currently isn't paying Social Security costs for most of its workers. "Please explain how the state can afford to go the 401(k) route," wrote jayboat, "if it means Social Security for all state workers instead of the existing pension plan. You see, the state will need to come up with more money to contribute their portion of the Social Security tax than what it costs to support the present pension system."

Reader solvera cautioned against demonizing state workers, writing, "I'm a 'regular' state employee, meaning I work for a state agency and I bust my hump at this job, same as I did at the nonprofits (and before that, retail jobs) that I worked at before my current job. Most of the people I work with are pretty normal, hardworking ethical people who will do whatever is asked of them." But the same reader also suggested that taxpayers should not subsidize public employee benefits: "I pay about 10 or 11 percent of each paycheck into the state pension system now, and I do understand why non-state employees are frustrated. You shouldn't have to pay for my retirement."

Meanwhile, joeshuren predicted that the present system can't go on forever. "The state continues to make false promises to employees, that it will pay them money in the future that taxpayers will in the future end up paying more and more for. But sooner or later there is a limit. Generally it is a taxpayer revolt." This reader noted that Vallejo, Calif., declared bankruptcy last year because it could no longer afford its employee salaries and pension costs.

Sigh. How will these salaries translate into pensions? Just guess.

2009-05-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks Fox. Salaries are one thing, but what is the pension obligation for this crew?

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/undercover/051709_State_agencies_with_big_salaries

“This is really the dirty little secret of Massachusetts state government,” says state Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield.) “You have this shadow government operating without any checks and balances, without any accountability, and the problem is getting worse, not better”
By some counts, there are now 52 of these quasi –public agencies, although the truth is, nobody seems to know for sure.

Overall, more than 500 employees at the quasi-public agencies are paid six-figure salaries, the records show.

Boston cop suspended for Statehouse ticket spree

2009-05-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

Boston cop suspended for Statehouse ticket spree

BOSTON (AP) — A Boston police officer has been suspended for ticketing a slew of vehicles parked near the Statehouse on the same day the state Senate cut funding for a police education bonus program

Ed comment: Well, good for the department for doing the right thing.

Ugh. Slime-balls

2009-05-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/exlegislators_tell_gov_deval_l.html

Ex-legislators tell Gov. Deval L. Patrick that their targeted pension benefits are the law

SNIP: It's frankly the kind of thing that undermines the public's confidence in the integrity of the pension system," Patrick told reporters on Monday. "And frankly, it embarrasses all of the good people in state government who are not exploiting these loopholes."

SNIP: (slimeball!) "The law was the law," Jordan said. "The rules were the rules ... There was no question about it."

Pension Spiking

2009-05-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

From the same Money Magazine article as the last post. Sound familiar, Massachusetts muni workers?

"There is no justification, ever, under any circumstances for pension spiking," says Sylvester Schieber, director of research at Wyatt Co., a national benefits consulting firm in Washington, D.C. "It is a form of theft." Here's how spiking works: Traditional corporate pension plans typically base retirement benefits on your average earnings during your final three or five years of employment. These private plans usually exclude overtime and performance bonuses, restricting pension benefits to your base pay. By contrast, state and local pension plans are typically based on the final three years' compensation, and sometimes on the last year's alone, creating an incentive for public employees to boost their pre-retirement pay by such tactics as volunteering to delay their vacations and work overtime, thereby inflating lifelong pensions. Says Joseph Serota, a Fort Lauderdale attorney who defends cities against pension abuses: "It's often the senior managers who initiate such things, working hand in hand to help the rank and file -- and themselves."

How government pensions are robbing you

2009-05-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

Amazing: this is from 1994
Amazing: this is from Money magazine / CNN

HOW GOVERNMENT PENSIONS ARE ROBBING YOU Federal, state and local employees' pensions are so lavish, shrinking them to what private employers provide could cut your tax bill by 8%.

By DAVID JOHNSTON Reporter associate: Judy Feldman
October 1, 1994
(MONEY Magazine) – The gaps between the princely pensions that public employees often collect and what the rest of us get are so astounding that they seem to have been exaggerated by a task force of bureaucrat-bashing Limbaughites. Read these numbers and -- unless you're a public servant yourself -- seethe: -- A state or local government worker earning $35,000 a year with 30 years on the job who retires at age 65 can expect an annual pension of about $18,000, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute of Washington, D.C. For comparable federal employees, the pension figure runs as high as $19,700. But a similar private-sector worker would get only about $10,000 a year, or as much as 49% less. --

Original story about body-builder / pension abuser Arroyo

2009-05-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

BOSTON (WBZ) ―

Boston's fire commissioner is urging the city's retirement board to deny the disability claim of a firefighter who competed in a bodybuilding contest even though he claims he can't work because of a back injury.

Albert Arroyo, 46, reported that he fell down some stairs in the Jamaica Plain firehouse on March 21 and reinjured an old back problem. According to retirement board documents, no one was there when Arroyo fell. His doctor wrote that Arroyo should be granted an accidental disability retirement because he is "permanently disabled."

Yet on May 3 after collecting his full $68,000 annual salary tax free for six weeks, Arroyo finished eighth in a bodybuilding competition. Video of the competition surfaced and shows the supposedly injured Arroyo flexing his muscles for the judges in a black Speedo. "If you can do that, you can work here," said Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser. "If you look at Mr. Arroyo, he's in better shape than most guys on the Boston Fire Department."

See link for the rest of the story.

Ed Comment: The biggest issue is obviously the conflict between "permanantly disabled" and "bodybuilder". But I'd also like to see some serious scrutiny on "fell down some firehouse steps". Sounds fishy to me. Very fishy.

Pension Abuse folk-hero

2009-05-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

The firefighter who was out for disability, but simultaneously competing in body-building competitions might be the all-time hero of pension abuse.

It's good that the brass has (seemingly) been taking action against Arroyo, but I bet the union will wiggle him out of most of the penalties. This guy should fry.

Boston Fire Department again axes bodybuilder’s bid to keep gig

Bodybuilding jake Albert Arroyo will not be reinstated to his $81,000-a-year job as a Boston fire inspector, even though he attempted to declare himself disabled again yesterday.

BFD spokesman Steve MacDonald said the rejection letter was hand-delivered to Arroyo’s residence at about 5 p.m. yesterday.

Good stuff- stopping crime

2009-05-17T04:46:00.001-07:00

I fear that my blog will get snarky at times, and target the police more often than some of them deserve. Here's a good story. Thank you to the D4 officers involved.

http://www.bpdnews.com/

IPOD THIEF ARRESTED BREAKING INTO CARS IN THE AREA OF NEWBURY STREET

At about 7:05am, on Friday, May 15, 2009, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call for a black male, wearing a red plaid shirt, breaking into a black Audi in the area of 299 Newbury Street. On arrival, officers found and observed the car with the front passenger side window smashed and the contents of vehicle strewn about the interior of car. Officers also noted the presence of an IPod charger – minus the IPod – plugged into the car’s center console. In short time, responding officers observed an individual matching the description of the suspect. While approaching the suspect, officers noted that the suspect was listening, conveniently enough, to an IPod.

Officers asked the suspect where he got the IPod. To which, the suspect stated, “I got it at the store.” The suspect then stated that he was in possession of a second IPod as well. Officers also noted that the suspect was carrying a brown coat on which officers observed shards of glass in the pockets of the jacket.

Officers then accompanied the suspect back the scene of the car break. While on scene, a witness to the crime positively identified the suspect as the man seen breaking into the car.

Officers arrested Terry Graham, 46, of Boston and charged him with Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle, Receiving Stolen Goods and the Willful & Malicious Destruction of Property. The suspect was then transported to Area D-4 (South End) for booking. While officers were back at the station, a second victim entered the station to report a car break. According to the victim, similar to the other incident, her car window had also been smashed and her IPod stolen. Officers then showed the victim the second IPod recovered from the suspect. Upon seeing the IPod, the victim stated, “That’s mine.”

As a result, Mr. Graham was charged with an additional count of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Property

Cop goes nuts over Quinn Bill

2009-05-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

A Boston cop’s ticket-writing spree around the State House the same day senators slashed the controversial Quinn Bill police bonuses is being probed as a possible case of political payback.

Boston Police officer John P. Mullan slapped 15 tickets on windshields of cars that included some owned by legislative staffers in a blitz late Wednesday afternoon.

Mullan earned $110,000 last year, $13,000 of which was from his Quinn Bill education bonus. Good for the BPD for investigating. If he truly wrote bogus tickets as some sort of political protest, that is complete crap.

By Hillary Chabot
http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_05_15_Politicians__cop_cuts_eyed_in_ticket_blitz:_Officer_wrote_up_15_at_State_House/

Mullan's made $13k for the Quinn Bill last year, and $25k for staring at yellow trucks and holes in the pavement.
http://www.bostonherald.com/projects/payroll/boston/last.ASC//mullan

Purpose of this blog - thank you to Sen Donnelly (Arlington)

2009-05-17T04:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking for a few years about the need to start this blog. But Senator Double-Dip Donnelly pushed me over the edge today. I guess he's entitled to his pension, but to then be appointed to a Senate commission to study the pension system, and to claim that no reforms are needed..... that just frosts my nose.

So I want to dedicate this blog to DD Donnelly. I also want to credit Howie Carr, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and everyone who I'm sure will help me find stories to post.

Our inaugural story:

Just call this two-time hack the Big Dipper

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2009_05_17_Just_call_this_two-time_hack_the_Big_Dipper/