Comment to "Running At Sacred Budget Cows"

Below is an email I received from a local Republican in response to the ECYR's most recent blog post, "Running At Sacred Budget Cows." The comments are specifically related to SB5 and how certain provisions affect non-union public employees. I found the comments to be a well thought out constructive critique of SB5. What do you think? Please send any responses to blog@eriecountyyoungrepublicans.com.

I've left the name of the author off of the copy of the email below to protect their privacy. The email has been copied in its entirety with no changes.

I appreciate your enthusiasm in the Republican Party. I do have a few questions in regard to SB5. You have pointed out the cuts the union members are to take in this bill as public employees. Please keep in mind this bill will also affect exempt employees has myself.

My question is to why there is no talk in regard to the administrative positions in state and local government that have for years had 100% if their benefits paid by tax payers. Keep in mind I am not a union member but I do have friends that are union members. These are very intelligent people, school educators, engineers, etc. They would like to know if everyone is going to put some skin in the game. Take for instance school superintendents, college presidents, city council members, etc.

Please do not take this wrong but if you were to do a bit of research you will find the same union members of state public service took a 4% cut for two years (i.e. cost savings days). These people are willing to help find some of the needed solutions but to engage in an assault on this group of people is truly unfair.

In closing, I have asked a question of both parties some of the language contained in SB5 that may affect some public employees. There is a great number of us that felt we had a "social" contract when we decided to remain in public service for a number of years. A part of that contract was that we would receive "longevity" pay for years of service. SB5 proposes to eliminate this pay. If this is the case then will I lose that pay which I have already obtained? I find it very disturbing when elected officials of both parties have replied with, "I will have to go back and read the bill to see what the intent of the language is". Some of these members have already voted for this bill and indicate to me they are not sure of the intent of the language. I am sure with you in the law profession would understand my concern when we have member of the Ohio Senate which have voted to enter into a contract for the citizens of Ohio but do not know what the true intent of the language of the contract.

I hope you continue your hard work for our party in your fine work. I also hope you will find the time to place yourself in the shoes of us that have truly been public servants and worked with dedication to the tax payers of this great state hoping our service has given value to these tax payers.