H. William
McIntyre
Email:
mcintyreb@verizon.net
October 3, 2007
To: All in My Address Book
Subject: Obscene
Dear Friends of Responsible
Government,
The front page headline in Tuesday’s Patriot-News, dated September 25, 2007
read; “Willey leaving PHEAA.” It could have read: “My work and
damage here is done;” or “It’s time for the big payoff.”
After five years as President and CEO of our Pennsylvania Higher Education
Assistance Agency at an annual salary of $289,118; Mr. Willey decided his
accomplishments accorded him a much higher salary. So, he retired and will
receive an annual pension of $359,600 or $29,966 a month for life.
This represents a $70,482 annual income increase or an additional $5,873 a month
for life. In addition to this increase; Mr. Willey received a bonus in
August of $180,857 over and above his annual salary. Calling these figures
obscene just begins to describe these numbers and many others who have retired
from “public service” within our state.
It’s a shame that Mr. Willey will not be remembered for whatever contributions
he made for the betterment of higher education in
I’m sorry; but I do not believe any partially funded retirement program by the
taxpayers, should provide a greater payment in retirement to anyone than when
they were active in “public service.” We’ve had, and will have some
members of our government retire and receive the very same; excessive retirement
payments.
I only use Mr. Willey’s enviable position as an example of the excesses in
government that we, the taxpaying citizens are, and will ultimately pay more
for. Most people pay into their retirement program. What they
receive in return, in most cases, is far more than their contributions.
The taxpayer pays the difference when their reinvested funds do not cover their
monthly retirement checks.
There is a crisis in our state retirement system. Presently the taxpayers
are contributing millions to keep it afloat. Three to five years out this
will become billions if changes are not made soon. We just can’t afford
many more Willeys accepting bloated and excessive funds. There is a
solution. A complete revamp of state government –
A Constitutional Convention –
is needed! 2 years, 3 months since the pay raise and the promise of
REAL REFORM is still only a dream.
A sincere,
Bill McIntyre
Doubting government
can or will change itself
Another voter’s
revolt at the polls is needed
CC: Executive, Legislative &
Judicial branches of PA Government