WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By Paul Feiner, Supervisor, Town of Greenburgh. April 27, 2010: I have been reading your articles and commentaries about County Executive Rob Astorino's battle with the County Legislature over the proposal to require county employees to contribute to health care costs.
This fight hasn't saved taxpayers a dime since Commissioners, deputy commissioners, patronage appointees and employees are not contributing to health care costs. While the blame game continues, all employees are able to continue to work without contributing into their health care costs.
I have an interim compromise suggestion. The County Board of Legislators should authorize County Executive Astorino to immediately require (if he wishes) all political appointees under his jurisdiction (commissioners, deputy commissioners, patronage appointees) to contribute towards their health care.
Once top management and the political appointees of the County Executive start contributing,it will be easier for the administration to get a more comprehensive bill approved that will impact other county employees and elected officials. My suggestion would result in immediate taxpayer savings and would show leadership by example.
There is no valid reason why the Board of Legislators should deny the County Executive the right to require appointees under his control to contribute towards their health care costs while negotiations for a more comprehensive bill continues.
