READERS' FORUM 3-13 | Don’t blame teachers for pension crisis » Editorials

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March 12, 2010

READERS' FORUM 3-13 | Don’t blame teachers for pension crisis

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Fri Mar 12, 2010, 08:51 AM EST

A front-page article on March 8 (“Schools discuss strategy to tackle ‘pension crisis’ ”) discussed the very real pension crisis that is facing public schools in coming years.

Simply put, there is not enough money in the system to pay out pensions at the projected rate.

Because of this, school districts are facing increased payments into the pension funds.

You will no doubt hear a lot of alarmed and heated opinions about how to fix this mess. Many of them will involve destroying the benefits that were promised to the teachers for years now.

When you hear these impassioned cries, please keep in mind this simple fact: The teachers’ pension plan is funded by payments from teachers, the school districts and the state.

For the past 10 years, only the teachers have been contributing.

The shortfall is largely a result of the fact that during the largest stock plummet in recent history, school districts and the state have not been paying their fair shares.

As an educator, I’ve paid mine.

So don’t punish your children’s teachers for this mess by supporting reduced benefits, because it is solely the fault of one shortsighted governor who has held back the state’s payments, and allowed school districts to do the same.

Gary Miller

South Fork

‘Homeland’ articles inspiring, enlightening

I was very impressed with the articles on the ethnic heritage of our community (“Homelands” series focusing on African-Americans, Feb. 28).

The writers did a marvelous job. I especially was touched, inspired and enlightened by the articles concerning the African-American community. Truly those people have made great contributions to our society in so many ways.

I pray that the young African-American youth will read this article and allow the legacy of their forefathers to live on. I pray that our community (black, white, red, yellow) will appreciate and applaud the contributions of these individuals.

I am also writing concerning an article about a former local pastor who allegedly stole money from charities. Although I realize many people would like to discipline him in an unruly way, I know that God will have the last say.

The Bible says, “Woe to the shepherd that scatters the flock” and “Revenge is mine saith the Lord.” So let’s pray for this individual as he pays his debt to these charities, and pray that God will forgive him and allow him to do his work.

Rev. Richard S. Williams

Johnstown

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