To the editor:
During a hearing before the House Labor Committee last week, I asked a number of pointed questions to the public employee union leaders present. The hearing was on a bill that would create binding arbitration, a method favored by labor unions to force an agreement between labor and management. Binding arbitration takes decision-making power away from the parties involved and turns it over to a third-party arbitrator.
During the hearing, one of the questions I asked was, “Do you think the pigs at the public trough have gone too far?” Perhaps I should have said it differently and perhaps it was not appropriate in that setting, but I believe it needed to be asked.
I want readers to understand that I was not talking about teachers or public employees, most of whom work hard every single day, under some extraordinary conditions to perform their jobs well. My wife is an educator and I know firsthand how challenging it is to teach in a public school setting. Instead, I was referring to the union leadership in the context of a hearing on a union-backed bill that is opposed by the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee and also the Bristol and Warren town councils, as well as more than 90 percent of all other public schools and councils in the state.
My frustration with the issue may have caused me to be somewhat overzealous in my questioning, but the question remains: when will the public union leadership’s voracious appetite be satisfied? For years they have successfully changed public policy to their advantage — at an incredible cost to students and taxpayers.
The General Assembly shares the blame — after all, it has allowed its own union affiliated members to wield incredible power on behalf of the union leadership and “rubber-stamp” union initiatives. Labor is acting in its own self-interest — and while that is to be expected, it is time for the unions and the General Assembly to return some of the power to the people of Rhode Island.
In 1996, teachers were given the right to organize and bargain collectively. While I don’t disagree with their right to unionize, other pieces of the law gave away management rights to the unions (like teacher assignments and job performance evaluations), which now must be negotiated rather than decided on by management.
We can’t hold elected officials and school administrators responsible for the results of education and then tie their hands with this law. Management needs to be able to decide where and how personnel should de directed and prioritized. Certainly employees need to be part of the process — any good manager knows that — but, ultimately, it should be school committee members (that we elect) and the administrators (that we hire) making decisions for our schools, not the employees themselves — and certainly not the public employee union leadership in Providence.
This is not about money, but rather about creating public policy that will continue to improve education for the children in our towns and in this state. I would prefer to pay good teachers more than they currently earn and be able to terminate those who do not meet the grade. We need to demand results — not settle for mediocrity — and to do this we must take back management rights.
I apologize to any rank-and-file members who may have been offended — my words were not directed toward them. I’ll take responsibility for what I said, but I want to ensure that taxpayers understand the context of my remarks before deciding on their validity.
Rep. Douglas Gablinske
Bristol
Mr. Gablinske is a Democrat representing District 68, Bristol and Warren.
Rep.Gablinske , no apology needed since we all feel your pain.Keep working for the good people of this state, and most of all for the children who depend on you.
No apology needed you hit it on the head and if people did not know you were taking about The Union give me it all give me it all screw the taxpayer leadership then thats their problem. It was obvious who you were taking about. Like all voters whether it is in a Union or voting for a politician the voter has no control over what the individual does once they get in power other than voting them out or impeaching them.
The same is true for Union leadership. The problem now for years is that the rank and file have been B.S. so much for so long the majority keeps voting the same people in evidently not relizing that these leaders are ruining the future of negoiations. This will lead to a taxpayer revolt at some time probably in the near future. You can't squeeze blood from a stone and we all are feeling like stones.
The rank and file of Unions need to wake up and remember that they to are taxpayers and when we get screwed that when taxes go up and they pay more subtract that from what you got and all you have is a little more not what you thought. But you got that little more and the rest of us lost it to you.
So dont say I pay taxes too because you pay less because the other taxpayers gave you their taxes and got nothing in return to help their financial situation. The same goes for benifits and anything that raises the tax rate period.
If you want people to care and respect teachers then vote some realistic leaders in who will negoiate fairly and take into consideration economic's 101. When there are ten apples and 20 people you cut them in half and feed all 20, not give 8 to the stongest people and divide the other 2 between 12 people left who will suffer and become mad and turn on you and angry hungry people will attack no matter what the strong throw at them.
As I have said many times I support Unions that negoiate on the needs of the workers for a fair days work for a fair days wage but that is also dependent on the place you live and in blue collar towns and cities like Bristol & Warren we cannot afford these benifit packages.
Over the last few years nor can we keep giving raises that we hardly ever get if at all and very seldom close to what has been given teachers, police or firefighters. Very few people out side these professions pay so little for health insurance, the co-pay in so far out of wack with the private sector it borders on theivery by the Union Leadership.
There are problems with the management side also which are the same as stated above only the exact flip side. Middle ground and reasonable request are what is needed.
The citizens ability to pay through taxes needs to be the desiding factor period and if the contract is for more than a year there must be a provision to recind certain aspects of compensation in economic hard times with a proviso that they be restored when the times get better but never retroactively as that would defeat the whole purpose of it.
Whether you agree with the solution I have stated or not the fact remains it is an option that should be tried in my opinion, we need to try new things since the old no longer work.
Jack
Collective bargaining rights for public school teachers was approved by the GA in 1964..must be a typo in the letter, not 1996. Different economic times, different circumstances. Rep.Gablinske is right: union leadership is never satisfied. The concessions they have claimed to have made over the years are simply quid pro quo to be returned exponenentially at a later date. Enough with this garbage, it is high time the GA understand and act on their authority to NARROW the scope of bargaining, not expand it as binding arbitration and perpetual contracts will provide.
There must be NO compromise, Rep. Gablinske. Do not be naive, the union leadership does NOT have a track record of compromise at the State House. They just knock off one issue after another. Do NOT let binding arbitration and/or perpetual contracts pass at any cost! To allow it will be disastrous for every community in RI.
You can NOT trade a compromised bill for management rights. A bad bill will always be a bad bill. Giving in on this will only kill whatever management rights are currently being exercised by school committees that are true leaders.
THE RI. STATEWIDE COALITION www.statewide coalition.com
PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS,JOIN US
The Rhode Island SHORELINE Coalition-just another name for a bunch of country club snobs who wouldn't know a day's work if it hit them in the face. They should change their name to the Rhode Island Millionaires Coalition-all they're worried about is tax breaks for the wealthy.
This guy Gablinske is the biggest hypocrite to ever set foot in the state house. His wife was a unionized shool teacher for many years, and just recently joined the ranks of management on the marching orders of her husband. The Gablinskes reaped the benefits of the union for many years, and now that the economy is in the toilet, this piece of garbage Gablinske turns his back on the union that took care of him and his family for so many years. If this is the kind of two face Gablinske is in public, imagine what a two face he is in political decisions. Throw this useless bum out of office come next November, and send a message to him and the other hypocrites of the world.
UNIONS FIGHT AND SQUEEZE FOR MORE MONEY FOR THEIR MEMBERS (TEACHERS - POLICE - FIREMEN)
What's the matter "improveEP"?-you seem very hostile today. Did you just get your eviction notice for non-payment of your taxes?
State Rep. Doug Gablinske is quoted as asking union officials representing more than 9,000 teachers: “Do you not think that the pigs at the public trough have gone too far?”
THAT QUOTE IS FROM A DEMOCRAT, WHO WOULD KNOW BETTER?
Paul Doughty
improveEP says:
State Rep. Doug Gablinske is quoted as asking union officials representing more than 9,000 teachers: “Do you not think that the pigs at the public trough have gone too far?”
THAT QUOTE IS FROM A DEMOCRAT, WHO WOULD KNOW BETTER?
11/3/09, 10:50 AM
improveEP says:
State Rep. Doug Gablinske is quoted as asking union officials representing more than 9,000 teachers: “Do you not think that the pigs at the public trough have gone too far?”
THAT QUOTE IS FROM A DEMOCRAT, WHO WOULD KNOW BETTER?
11/3/09, 10:50 AM
Actually, RI students know better. They are on the Yorke show talking about the unions protecting the mediocrity in our public schools. Now, will the union leadership lambast our studens?
Did you know?
Our overall taxes rank fourth in the country and are the highest in New England. Our school costs are the largest on a per capita basis in New England, yet our educational achievements are in the bottom 25% of U.S. performance. School budgets comprise about 60% to more than 70% of all municipal budgets in Rhode Island. Rhode Island teacher salaries are the 9th highest in the United States.
improveEP says: "I'm an employee/lackey/slave laborer for Slow Joe Larisa and Fat Tony Carcieri" "I get paid minimum wage by those two useless politicians to cut and paste the same nonsense over and over again." Get some creativity "improveEP"-you're making a fool of yourself.
IF YOU WANT HIGHER ANNUAL TAXES, THEN SUPPORT THE UNIONS AND THE POLITICAL CANDIDATES (HACKS) THEY SUPPORT AND WANT ELECTED. YOU WILL THEN GET HIGHER TAXES.
FOR HIGHER TAXES, VOTE UNION !
For change we can believe in, vote out self serving blowhard politicians like Doug Gablinske. The sooner we get rid of bums like him, the better.
"I have no problem whatsoever paying a little more in taxes. It's a small price to pay for the quality of life we enjoy."
THIS RECENT QUOTE SHOWN ABOVE IS FROM A RABID UNION BLOGGER NAMED "union-teacher"
HE OBVIOUSLY THINKS ITS OKAY TO PAY MORE TAXES IN THE MOST "TAXED OUT" STATE IN THE COUNTRY.
THEREFORE PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
1) UNIONS FIGHT AND SQUEEZE FOR MORE MONEY FOR THEIR MEMBERS (TEACHERS UNION - POLICE UNION - FIREMENS UNION)
2) WHERE DOES THAT MONEY COME FROM WHICH GOES TO THESE GREEDY UNIONS?
3) IT COMES FROM THE ANNUAL TAXES PAID BY THE HARDWORKING TAXPAYERS
4) IF YOU WANT TO PAY HIGHER ANNUAL TAXES, THEN SUPPORT THE UNIONS AND THE POLITICAL CANDIDATES THAT THEY SUPPORT AND WANT ELECTED. YOU WILL THEN PAY HIGHER TAXES.
I GUARANTEE YOU THAT!
5) IT'S REALLY JUST THAT SIMPLE !
The Union_Teacher Creed
Must be past 4:30 as UT Pronounced ( eewwt ) has gone back to his bleak little world where he never wins and screams all the rest of the live long day and night until he wakes up and takes his meds and thinks I Stuart Smalley ( eewwt ) am a good person, I Stuart Smalley ( eewwt ) will tell people today how good I am,
I Stuart Smalley ( eewwt ) will tell all the other people what they are with every vile insult I learned from The glorious GODS of Union leadership, who I Stuart Smalley ( eewwt ) bow to without question when I am on my knees praying to them like a good little minion.
Bless the Union Leaders for they have seen to the destruction of Companies, Businesses, and Taxpayers for we have taken money from them and will continue to do it till we can't walk from the weight of what steal and will continue to steal the blood out of the American economic system until it collapses.
Bless the Union Leaders for they are the GODS of destruction even if their Membership doesn't approve we will intimidate the members if they try to object, we will make sure those who do end up first on the list for firing or layoffs.
We are the first and the last to destroy all that was ever good in the American industrial system under the guise of helping workers. We will only use them to further are secret agenda of a socialistic society where only we have the power and the taxpayers are lowly servants kept in check by having no money. ( because we took it )
We shall make all the rich pay more and more till they flee the country and close their companies and millions out of work. oops scratch that we did it all ready to auto industry and it kind of isn’t working hum can't figure that out. Well who cares we will just get more money from taxpayers that will take care of it. We are Union Leadership GODS.
I know we will force card check and then we can intimidate all workers because they will no longer have a secret ballot like that stupid freedom America has always had. We will make this a third world country if we have to destroy the country to do it by making the Government stupid enough to take over all business and financial markets and healthcare system except exempt Unions of course. The taxpayers will suffer but who cares we are Union Leadership GODS.
I Stuart Smalley alias ( eewwt ) do here by affirm this diatribe and will follow it tell I too starve and lose all my wealth and become another nail in the coffin of the America I wanted to create. Thank you Union Leadership GODS.
Jack, your changing,You have gone from smart to brilliant in your writing. Don't let U_T get your blood pressure up, he is not worth it. I spent a lot of time tracing him to find out who he is, Paul gave him self up threw his posts on this blog allowing me to learn his ID.He is a low life who has participated in threats of violence,and extortion to intimidate Providence Council people to get votes for give away contracts. Contracts that includes things like full time Union work on the tax payers dime . He bragged about this on line, so I talked to people I know in Prov.and learned it was true,and it happened more than once.This guy thinks he is a gangster along with slugs like Sen Moron of EP. He really gave him self up when he shook my hand in Prov.at the Conference of mayors. I told him I would be there and to shake my hand. I told him I did not intend to get violent I just wanted to meet and see what was going on. He probably thought I was looking for a job. I also told him that I would be wearing a certain hat . I stood behind him for a while watching him type on his phone he was blogging.He looked at me and read the logo on my hat then shook my hand .I know it was him by the look on his face. Then there were the times he was on WPRO with Buddy C. talking about the city contract and the conference. Both times he was not on this blog but was here after the show .We know it's Paul Doughty and we know what a piece of crap he is. Steer clear and enjoy your days. This bum has been ripping of the Tax Payers of Prov. for years and the contracts let him do it.
Response to jethro
Damn Yankees ;-{
Not to worry my blood pressure is fine it would take a lot more than a wanna be like (eewwt) to do that and he isn’t brave enough to confront anyone face to face with his rhetoric for fear he may faint dead away LOL
I don’t know seems to be funny someone as bigoted and extreme as (eewwt) would post so much hate against private taxpayers and make so many derogatory statements about hard working Americans who are not in a union. I.E. inbreed, scumbags, and much more vile, seems he does not realize he has created a record of everything he has every typed on this post and if one day he cracks and really shows himself. It would lead to some interesting reading in the pro-jo when his family, people he works with, and friends if he has any see his real side. I think they would run for the hills. People like him are a dime a dozen they live a fantasy life in their own world. What ever job he really has would more than likely disappear.
Personally I could care less about this poster he has shown too many times his asinine feelings and can’t seem to do anything but cut and paste the same statements all the time. Well boring it is funny at times and shows what kind of people are out there to worry about. He could never run for any office in the public sector ever with his remarks on record so that is a plus.
All in all sometimes it is just fun to post an argument against the insanity of someone who cannot reason on his own. Which is why resorts to name calling and lying and such. Reminds me of Bagdad Bob In the Iraq war. LOL This also why I doubt it is Paul as you say though I could be wrong but it would be pretty dangerous for Paul to put himself in this kind of position. The Paper would very easily be able to determine if it was him and they could make quite a story out of it.
Jack
Jack, being a Fire Fighter I think you are bias, if you believe the Prov. Fire Fighters are a bunch of hard working good guys.Just ask the people of Prov. who have delt with them.I did, and I got an ear full with the facts to go along with it.The over time express is not fiction,there is a mafia type atmosphere in this city. I hope the Mayor can clean it up soon. As far as paul getting in trouble for posting,he is doing it on his phone from the fire house, and no one cares, in fact the unions encourage it.Keep in mind in the contract he is aloud to do union business all day.
Looks like we have a difference of opinion here-Jethro Joe the Felon Sousa is infatuated with the thought that I'm Paul Doughty, and Jack seems to find that highly unlikely. I'll start with you Jack-you're a retired firefighter-do you think President/Attorney Doughty, who works on the busiest piece of fire apparatus in one of the busiest fire departments in the country, would have time to blog all day? Another thing that Slow Joe fails to mention is the fact that President/Attorney Doughty was ordered back to work on his truck long ago-it's been years since he performed union business full time. But morons such as Slow Joe and watchDan the watchman, a.k.a. Dan Gordon are so consumed with rage and jealousy, they spew this foolish nonsense with no facts to back them up. Actually, I'm flattered that those two nitwits think I'm President/Attorney Doughty-I think he's a great leader, and a great advocate for his union.
As far as you Joe the female abuser/felon/criminal, why don't you take my advice and sign up for classes to earn your GED? Your grammar/spelling on your last post could have possibly been your worst yet. For example, what the hell is "delt"? When I went to first grade, it was spelled D E A L T. And what does "aloud" to do union business mean?-in second grade we spell it A L L O W E D. You realize Slow Joe, all you do when you come on here and post is embarass yourself-shape up or ship out.
Jethro, we backed off you because it isn't cool to constantly berate and provoke someone while we are trying to find answers to our questions here, as well as some venting. I think it is now your turn to leave the UT issue alone. We all know who you are and have accepted that. I don't think anyone else other than you cares who UT is.
Let him rant and rave. If there isn't anything of substance to it then it will go away eventually. You are only fueling the fire by resorting to his level.
UT we are sick of the comments about jethro. If you have solid proof of anything then go to the police, otherwise, shut the hell up about that. None of us as far as I know are interested in your babblings. If there is any credence to what you say about him then do something or go away.
By the way, even if you are right what difference does that make? He still would have just as much right to post here as you. I don't agree with an awful lot of what jethro says, but, I think if given a choice of you or him to sit next to in say a bar, I would not be sitting next to you in any event.
www.ri.gov-search criminal database:
Phonetic Search: off Person ID: 09210893
ID Defendant Name or Alias Birth Year Case Number Case Name Case Status
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 21-2002-01148 JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 N1-2002-0409A JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 22-2002-01182 JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
Page: 1 Records: 1 - 3
Paul Doughty
I wonder what skeletons would come creeping out of your closet? If you aren't prepared to let us in on who you are so we can check out your stats, then I believe you are a hyppocrate for displaying the info about jethro. Real men don't hide behind a pseudonym when they are making such accusations. Stand up and be the proud father of all this dribble and maybe we could get along a lot better, but of course you won't, thats how cowards act.
Now tell me Jaq-why is posting a public record being a hypocrite? What exactly is your definition of hypocrite? My definition of hypocrite is a guy like Jack B, who collects his government pension check with his left hand and trashes unionized teachers with his right hand. All in all, I think he's a good guy with a good heart, but I don't like the way he talks out of both sides of his mouth.
As far as a criminal record, I don't have one, so that's a skeleton I don't have. And don't expect me to reveal my identity on this blog-there are too many wackos like Joe Sousa, Dan Gordon, etc., that would think nothing of vandalizing my house, harrassing my family, etc. As a matter of fact, I think anyone who reveals their identity/personal info on this or any blog is a total moron. There are way too many kooks in the world, and I value my privacy and my family's privacy. A perfect example would be Joe Sousa-with a violent criminal history such as his, why would I jeapordize my safety by revealing my identity to him? That's just using common sense Jaq.
So feel free to call me a coward Jaq-I've been called a lot worse-it rolls off me like water off a duck's back, and in my line of work, it comes with the territory.
Like I've said before, I'm not here to make friends-I'm here to do a job, and if I ruffle a few feathers along the way, so be it. Doesn't cause me to lose any sleep at night.
If you aren't prepared to disclose who you are, and I never really thought you would, then your personal attacks should carry no weight. You have a right to your opinion just as much as jack has the right and freedom to express his displeasure at union leadership and people like you. What do you want, people to just blindly follow and not question the motives and attitude of the people in control of things such as wages and health insurance?
I don't think even you want people to blindly follow and not question. So I am lead to think that your motivations are to destroy good people who are simply expressing themselves. As well as tarnishing the image of unions that barter in good faith.
In a free market such as ours the product usually sells itself if it's marketed properly and conforms to standards and laws. The product most unions sell is labor. If you try to jam that product down peoples throats at a cost that is skyrocketing then you will eventually price yourself out of that market, as well as piss people off so badly that they won't care what you are selling, they won't want any of it. That is where we are at today. You want to keep jamming that product down our throats and we reject that.
If jack or any other union person wants to vocalise their displeasure at being associated with that mentality then I say more power to them. Unions once held a very high place in this country, back when they stood for equality and other virtues. Today the greedy hands of those people in charge, that means you, have killed those virtues and now people don't have such a high regard for you and your cronies. No wonder you strike out personally at people you have nothing else left.
For starters Jaq-I'll reiterate-anyone who gives out any of their personal information over the internet, whether it's on this site or any other, is simply asking for trouble. I can get in enough trouble of my own without giving out my name and address over the internet so idiots like Joe Sousa, Dan Gordon, etc. can vandalize my home, harrass my family, etc. If you want to give out your personal information over the internet for the world to see, have at it-don't let me stop you. I'll stick with maintaining my privacy, thank you. As I told you previously, if you're so interested in my identity, run for city/town council and get involved in contract negotiations or interest arbitration, or take a ride up to the state house when the General Assembly is in session-chances are pretty good you'll run into me.
As far as people blindly following me, all I do is negotiate on behalf of my union brothers and sisters-I don't compel them to blindly follow me. I advise them what I feel they should expect to receive in a contract, and let them make their own decisions. When I bring them back a contract, it's up to the entire membership to decide whether to ratify it or vote it down-I don't make that choice for them.
In regard to Jack, I couldn't care less if he was happy making minimum wage-that's his decision. I never negotiated a contract on behalf of the Navy Base Fire Dept., nor do I suspect I ever will. I concentrate on state and municipal unions, not federal unions such as Jack's. Once again, as I've told you a million times before, I don't care one iota if Jack wants to bash the unions-Joe Sousa, Dan Gordon, and their supporters do it all the time, but the big difference is they're not collecting a GOVERNMENT PENSION CHECK and they were never union members. For Jack to badmouth the unions, would be akin to Bishop Tobin getting up on the pulpit and expressing his support for abortion rights. Jack has to realize you can't have your cake and eat it too. If he were to rip up his monthly pension check and throw it in the garbage, I would have a lot more respect for him. But to knock the unions (especially the teachers), when he benefited from the union his entire career, is the ultimate in hypocrisy. And just as a side note, I do agree with him on one thing-his pay and benefits were definitely sub-standard when compared with state and municipal workers-in my opinion, he made a rather unwise career choice going with federal as opposed to state or municipal employment.
Anyway Jaq, I'll continue to voice my displeasure at those who seek to condemn and villify the unions, and I'll also continue to fight for my union brothers and sisters with the same tenacity that I have practiced for many years.
"his pay and benefits were definitely sub-standard when compared with state and municipal workers-in my opinion, he made a rather unwise career choice going with federal as opposed to state (Rhode Island) or municipal (East Providence) employment."
ANOTHER QUOTE BY 'union-teacher"
FOLKS, DOES THIS TELL YOU THE STORY REGARDING THE "UNION" OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
GET RID OF ALL UNION SUPPORTERS AND UNION ENDORSED POLITICIANS, THE SOONER THE BETTER.
UNIONS = HIGH TAXES
And it burns burns burns, the ring of fire, ring of fire....
I will post any thing I want on this site, and if I chose to tell the world what I believe ,that is my choice. Paul Doughty is U_T, of that I am convinced. The fact that he knows, that I know, gives me great pleasure .While I would never cause harm to any one, it gives me a good feeling to know he looks over his shoulder now and again.
YOU AIN'T EVER GONNA BEAT US"
BECAUSE "US" IS NOW THE TAXPAYERS
BECAUSE "US" IS THE "FED-UP" GENERAL PUBLIC
Response to jethro
Didnt see your earlyer post couldn't tellyou about prov. dept. Most guys and gals I new have retired by now Im sure and the ones I new were very dedicated but as in any large dept. and prov. is large and in the top five in the country for emergency calls. Im sure they have those that are not hard working also. This is also one of my pet peeves about Union Leadership not protecting the other members from those who hurt the department but rarely will other members say anthing because of intimidation and fear so the stus quo goes on. It is my hope someday people will do the right thing but it is proably a pipe dream as they say like world peace.
Jack
"his pay and benefits were definitely sub-standard when compared with state and municipal workers-in my opinion, he made a rather unwise career choice going with federal as opposed to state (Rhode Island) or municipal (East Providence) employment."
ANOTHER QUOTE BY 'union-teacher"
FOLKS, DOES THIS TELL YOU THE STORY REGARDING THE "UNION" OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
GET RID OF ALL UNION SUPPORTERS AND UNION ENDORSED POLITICIANS, THE SOONER THE BETTER.
Greed will be the undoing of our society.I pray for change and resolve.
Lord save us from our selfs.
Response to all
Not so sure it's greed and well that is a problem to be sure to me the root of it all is corruption in all Government at all levels needs to be addressed and any law on the books addressing anything called "white collar crime" need to wiped out of existence. A crime is a crime period. These lighter sentences and country club federal prisons for these so called white collars criminals need to be dismantled.
The same rules as regular prison, which also need a lot of fine tuning in my book. The enforcement of the laws and regulations on the books currently need to be strictly enforced, they are not now and have not been in a long time.
There is no need to put blame on the so called right, left, or independent they are all guilty of the destruction of this country. Make no mistake it is being destroyed everywhere from small towns to cities by corruption of officials elected to office to represent we the people. They have their own personal agenda's an interest, not yours
There is blame on “we the people” also for letting this happen over decades of going with the flow. Because they have made it so the average citizen can not afford to run for political office anymore we are in deep trouble. This is what caused all this mess putting people who either have no clue or don't care about a citizen barely scraping by or even making a decent wage.
We all try to follow the laws of the land. We all know that this country has created the greatest society in History civilization. It is not that other countries are jealous of our accomplishments it is that they are scared the people in their countries will demand the same society as ours.
This society works because it is based on fairness equal justice and blind justice. If we the people do not make sure that this again applies to all aspects of society them we will continue to have the same problems in Labor, law enforcement, education, management, business, and politics. The only solution is to start removing the cancer in all of these things.
The Constitution was written by very common sense people and so many people seem to have forgotten that the Constitution of this country was not only a profound document, but was a very simple document based on simple principles that if followed could create a society unparallel in human history.. That was the goal of the founders and it has been accomplished.
If we want society to change we have to return it to its original intent of fairness and equality for all with every citizen who works hard can live the American Dream of prosperity, so let it be written so let it be done.
For those who think this particular post is a pipe dream remember that all things are possible in life through idea’s and hard work to bring them to fruition.
Guess I should put a disclaimer (These words are mine and are not copied or from anyone else but me. They are the opinion me I belong to no group or organization, I am not a republican, democrat, independent, or member of any political party. I am one American Voter and hope all others who believe as I do let the people hear you Roar loud and often that my friends is America.
Jack
TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE WORKING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE www.tivertoncc.com " JOIN THE REVOLT"
Paul Doughty
GET RID OF REP. JACK "THE HACK" SAVAGE THE TEACHERS UNION SUPPORTER
So "improveEP", how was the union bashing love fest at the KofC last night? Looks to me with the turnout you had, it could have been held in a phone booth. (Although it would have to be an awfully big phone booth to fit your boss, "Fat Tony" Carcieri.
"YOU AIN'T EVER GONNA BEAT US"
BECAUSE "US" IS NOW THE TAXPAYERS
BECAUSE "US" IS THE "FED-UP" GENERAL PUBLIC
THE FOLLOWING WAS POSTED BY A UNION AGITATOR:
"Fortunately next year's elections are right around the corner, and a new broom will be coming in to sweep this idiot Larisa and his small band of cronies out the door."
MY QUESTION IS: WHO IS YOUR "NEW BROOM?"
IS IT "PAT DOWN" PAUL MOURA, THE UNION BAD BOY AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WHOSE BEHAVIOR EMBARRASSES EVERYBODY AROUND HIM?
IS THAT YOUR "NEW BROOM?"
GOOD LUCK!
Good morning Jack-In between responding to the nonsense being posted by "Slow Joe" Larisa's #1 boot licker "improveEP", I'll respond to your last post. While I like your idea of the unions and management getting together to hold hands and sing Kumbaya, unfortunately it's not going to work. There's too much history of hate and discontent between the two groups for that to ever happen. The perfect example would be in East Providence, where you have the king of all self serving grandstanding politicians "Slow Joe" Larisa trying to be the second coming of Adolf Hitler. When the economy is going well, he sits on his behind and does absolutely nothing, (other than naming a city park after himself). But as soon as the economy goes in the toilet, he seizes the opportunity to grandstand and beat up the unions, in order to curry political favor with the voters as he carries out his scheme to run for Attorney General (not that he stands a snowball's chance in hell). It's a classic example of page 1 in the self serving politician's playbook: take any opportunity to promote yourself at the expense of others. With jerks like him in office, there will neve be any meaningful dialogue or give and take between unions and management.
I also notice you continually bring up the point that by federal law, your union couldn't bargain for wages, pensions, or health benefits. When you're on an unlevel playing field like that, it's a wonder you guys had a union at all, and even though you did, what's the purpose? What you need to realize Jack, in my world, everything is on the table and open for negotiation, and unfortunately there are too many scumbag politicians such as Larisa, Gablinske, Carcieri, and their buddies whose only purpose in life is to destroy unions. They wouldn't care if we had the economy of the United Arab Emirates, where everyone is a millionaire-they would still try and beat up the unions, because their only goal in life is to create two classes of people in this country-the ultra rich and the ultra poor. Well let me tell you something Jack, myself and my union are not going to lay down and let these maggots step all over us. If it's a fight they want, it's a fight they're going to get. Myself and my union brothers and sisters worked far too hard for far too many years to let a few grandstanding blowhard politicians walk all over us.
You Jack, might want to tickle these useless politicians with a feather, but I would rather use an iron fist-it's much more effective at getting their attention.
Finally Jack, what's your infatuation with the bum who overdosed in Warren last week? Were you related to him? I don't know why you keep on defending the creep-maybe if you talked to some of the people he beat up, robbed, sold drugs to, or otherwise terrorized, you might realize society is better off now that he's dead and buried. Anyway, I'm not going to waste any more time talking about that deadbeat-it only serves to glamorize him and his actions. Have a nice day!
Did anybody see that bum Gablinske last night being interviewed by Channel 12? When the reporter asked him why he was meeting behind closed doors, his answer was “so people like you won’t be in our face”. Real class act Gablinske-why don’t you just resign now and save yourself further embarrassment.
“so people like you won’t be in our face” Isn't that the union's response to public negotiation sessions?
No-that's the response from bums like Gablinske, Larisa, Carcieri, etc.-they only want to play to the camera when it benefits them. Don't worry though "improveEP", when Mayor Moura and Councilors Coogan, DiTraglia, and Rossi are running the show, "Townie Pride" will be restored.
And the union_idiot, 'gimme-gimmes', still step up with their uncaloused palms out. Despite liberal Democrats even acknowledging that unions are a 'problem'.
ABOLISH UNIONS, NOW!!!
Hey watchCOWARD-you stand as much chance of abolishing unions as you do revealing my true identity. Oh that's right-you think I'm Paul Doughty. I'm flattered that you would mention me in the same sentence as the esteemed President/Attorney Doughty, but guess again idiot-I'm not him. By the way, I think President Doughty is at work today-why don't you stop and see him watchCOWARD-maybe he could knock some sense into that pea brain of yours-haha.
So what's got your panties in a bunch today watchCOWARD? Did you get your Portsmouth tax bill today? Make sure you mention my name when you go to pay it-my union brothers and sisters at the Portsmouth Town Hall will be happy to see you. And how about meeting me for lunch today watchCOWARD-I'm buying........on YOUR DIME.
June 15, 2009 – Picket lines in Providence, Rhode Island began June 12 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting, culminating a week in which Vice President Joe Biden and more than 25 members of the Obama administration canceled plans to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ event in Providence rather than cross a picket line protesting Mayor David Cicilline’s treatment of Providence Local 799 fire fighters. The Conference, which began June 12, runs through June 16.
The Obama administration informed the U.S. Conference of Mayors that Vice President Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and other cabinet members and senior-level Obama administration staffers would respect the picket.
Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA) also decided not to cross the picket line.
“That’s a powerful message coming directly from the president and vice president of the Unites States,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “This is another example of the administration’s unqualified support for workers and organized labor.”
Paul Doughty, president of Local 799, also praised the Obama administration for agreeing to honor the picket. “It’s a new era to have a White House that takes labor seriously.”
Local 799, which has been in a long-running dispute with Mayor Cicilline over contract matters, had told the Obama administration that it would call off its picket if Cicilline stayed away from the Conference, but the mayor declined to do so.
Doughty says the mayor’s refusal to skip the Conference highlights what has been going on for years.
Providence fire fighters supported Cicilline in his initial run for mayor after he promised he would negotiate a fair contract. But Mayor Cicilline has consistently opposed fire fighters since his election in 2002.
Local 799’s last contract expired in 2005 and Providence fire fighters have been forced to arbitrate their last seven collective agreements. Mayor Cicilline has fought Local 799 in arbitration and lost nearly every battle. The mayor has also fostered additional ill-will by introducing state legislation and city ordinances against Providence fire fighters.
“We tried to settle our differences with the mayor, but he continues to antagonize the hard-working fire fighters of Local 799,” says Doughty.
Response to (eewwt)
Actually again you try to spin truth on Gablinske
(reporter) Why a secret Meeting
(Gablinske)
It’s an opportunity where we can vet ideas out of the box and so you can’t necessarily do that with people like you in our face (said with a smile and small laugh). Hardly insulting or derogatory. And by the way perfectly legal to have a closed session on idea exchanges with no votes.
(reporter) The house leader said no votes were taken.
Jack
And the comment by Gablinske was in the typical union hating, self serving, condescending style that has become his trademark. I can't wait until next November when the voters get the chance to throw bums like Gablinske out of office-can't come soon enough.
Never heard of a reporting being at a Union meeting well they discuss what to go after in a contract, It sounds like (eewwt) is being hypocritical again LOL.
Jack
If it were up to blowhards like Gablinske, all unions would be abolished, except for the teacher's union where his wife is employed and he sucks up her medical benefits.
Now there's the definition of a true HYPOCRITE. Do the state a favor Gablinske, and resign now, and save yourself further embarassment.
So tell us Jack, when you were a union rep at the Navy Base Fire Dept., how many times did you invite the press over?
And if federal law prevented your union from negotiating wages and pensions, why did you even bother having a union? Must have been awfully brief union meetings down at the navy base.
What issues could you possibly discuss at your meetings?-the design of the shoulder patches on your uniform shirts. Sounds to me your time would have been used more productively by lobbying members of congress to have the labor laws relating to federal firefighters repealed.
ahh bean head on Military Installations the press is handled by the liasian Officer not allowed to view meetings just like the the behind close door meeting above. hmm seems like that would be ok except when it's yourself. LOL
Due to federal law employee's are forbidden from confirming or denying information relating to anything that pertains to the Military installation. Its called National Security and is require when you work for the Military.
Yea right change things in congress spent so much time with our congressmen in washington then you will ever know and led by the nose of those Unions who always said they would help but threw Federal firefighters under the bus everyttime using us as a throw away barganing chip. Yep real leadership people just like you. What a maroon.
Well Jack, it seems like we've finally gotten to the bottom of why you dislike unions so much. If you read between the lines of your posts, it appears you feel federal employees got the "short end of the stick" so to say, as opposed to state and municipal employees. As I told you in a previous post, I'm not very familiar with federal employees and their union contracts, as that is not an arena that I practice in. I will however, draw an analogy that might make some sense to you. I have a friend who a number of years ago was hired by a unionized municipal police department in the southwest part of Rhode Island that was one of the lowest paying police departments in the state. While he and his fellow officers tried to bargain for better wages, they were so far behind the curve, my friend took the test in a larger metropolitan police department, and is now making approximately double the salary he was making at his previous department.
Once again, I'm not very familiar with the federal system, but if it's as hopeless as you make it sound, why did you stay there all those years, and get treated like dirt?
I'm sure you see where I'm going with this Jack-if you saw that it was a pretty hopeless situation at the Navy Fire Dept., why didn't you try and better yourself, and go work for a fire department where they provided you the opportunity to bargain for wages and pensions?
I'm really starting to get the feeling this has much more to do with sour grapes than union contracts Jack.
Didnt need to do that I think my pension is fair. and once we straightened out the FLSA problem after a 14 years law suit it became even better. I never wanted to go to outside department I was happy where I was. I'm not greedy nor have I ever wanted anything more than fair pay for fair days work.
Reasonable benfits in line with the people who I worked for. That is called being realistic and common sense. If I wanted more I could have no doubt made much more money in many other jobs I am qualified for but just because someone can do something doesn't mean they have to. I prefer to keep things simple and level headed and it has allowed me to enjoy my life on my terms not others as it should be in my opinion.
Just because someone tells you we can get you lots of benfits and monies by squeezing every dime from the taxpayers until we have created a worker class of Union employees and a class of the poor who support them doesn't make it right. Might be your view on labor but it sure isnt mine.
Since you are so unreasonable to even consider the hardships you place on taxpayers and then wonder why the representative elected by the taxpayers that want to be fair but run into a wall of no movement and no compromise end up doing the same thing as you. I'll say it again for the hundreth time you cant negoiate if nether side is reasonable.
So having said that again and again I still say its time to get people in leadership on both sides replaced with more common sense people because whats there now on both sides for decades now is nothing more than 2 four year old kids arguing over a baseball with no adults to explain to them the rules of sharing.
Jack
Well Jack-Here's your exact words from a previous post-sounds like sour grapes to me:
Yea right change things in congress spent so much time with our congressmen in washington then you will ever know and led by the nose of those Unions who always said they would help but threw Federal firefighters under the bus everyttime using us as a throw away barganing chip. Yep real leadership people just like you. What a maroon.
Anyway, if you're happy with your sub-standard pay and benefits at the Navy Base Fire Dept., then all the more power to you. I'm also happy with my pay and benefits at my job. I only get angry when some self serving, blowhard, union hating politician tries to take it away from me.
The thing that gets me about these union haters is that when the economy was as hot as summer day in Arizona, and the private sector workers were getting a 60% yearly return on their 401K plans, and getting fat and happy, us poor union slugs were getting a measley 3%. Did you see any of the cities and towns or the state giving the unionized workers 60% raises-hell no. We were told by management "you only negotiated 3%, so that's what your stuck with." Now that the tables have turned, and the greedy pigs are getting their mansions and yachts reposessed, they expect to punish the union members for it. Sorry Jack, but it doesn't work that way. Like I've said before, I'll never get rich being a unionized public employee, but I'm sure as hell not going to let any scumbag politician or union hating group make me poor-you can take that to the bank.
ahh thats not sour grapes that a statement on Union leadership in last years on the department throwing us under the bus jsut for the sake of their personal agenda's that is a great example of how out of touch you are they are with rank and file.
Your problem like many in the leadership and what ever it is you really do is you think that if a compnay is pay you $100,000 dollars in 2009. and the company goes into bad times in 2010 and makes half the profit it did in 2009 then you still want a $5000 dollar raise and more benifits. That is just plain and simple extortion of the hand that feeds you and in a lot of cases that is me the taxpayer.
Jack
Correct me if I'm wrong Jack, but didn't you tell us you were part of the union leadership at the Navy Base Fire Dept.? Once again, if I had been in your position and saw the bleak picture that you paint, I think I would have sought employment elsewhere-but I guess you had your reasons for staying.
I also find it interesting about your comments regarding the $100,000 in 2009 and the bad times in 2010. You seem to conveniently forget the dozens of years the economy was red hot and the town/city/state could have afforded to pay me $500,000, but only gave me a 3% raise because that's what we negotiated.
Once again, if you had worked for a municipality or state that paid you a decent wage, I really don't think you would be on here bashing union leadership, but you can't turn back the hands of time Jack.
As I've told you many times Jack, I didn't become a public employee union member to get rich, but I also didn't become a public employee union member to get it stuck up my a&* by loudmouth politicians and idiots who didn't plan for the future.
Not bleak and most of my career was reasonable leadership on my part. unlike your wild and extreme views and greed. many times never got a 3% raise in fact raises were allways around 1 to 2.5% so cry me ariver if you cant manage your finances it never created a problem for me. and naturally you missed the economic point of good times and bad as usual you read only what you want to read and ignore everything else. Geeze you will never get it your beyond all hope of being a person of reason or common sense thinking. Oh well to each their own world i guess.
Jack
by the way posting your paste of the anthropology prof. in every post who has nothing to do with any post on here seems to be telling of your instability to not address the issues at hand but to only show your contempt for real debate on any issue and try to as usual antaganize anyone you can to hate teachers and unions and whatever else your perverted vile mind can come up with.
Not much of a life for someone who claims he works for a living and helps people. which is very doubtfull in my opinion. But hey what do you care your not really a real person at all jsut someone who thinks he is i find it hard believe a single post you have ever wrote no-one can go through life with your views and be productive part of society therefore you are a fake evidently but what ever gets your jollies off some people are like you I guess just havn't seen one till now wierd weird weird. LOL
Oh guess I should be kind to those in more unfortunate than I and tell you to seek professional help you need it.
Jack
Jack-You say I only read what I wat to read regarding the good times and bad-wrong. When I was only getting a 3% raise on a humble salary during the boom years, why didn't I get a 50% raise instead. Following your logic, isn't that the way it should have worked? So don't go and say I only read what I want to read.
As far as the anthropology professor, you know who that's directed at-I'm sure I'll have quite a few laughs when I come back to work Monday morning to see what he had to say about it over the weekend. This might not be word for word, but it will be something like this (spelling errors added for emphasis): "I no hoo onion teecher is-it Paul Doughty-onion president, and I no, cuz I ride my motacykle to prov and see him tipe on his fone". "Don't wory, I gonna get him-he afaid of me-haz to keep looking over hiz showlder". "I gonna run for buggit comm. in Tivertun and show him whooz boss".
Anyway, back to my post, I think I do have a life, but you're surely entitled to your own opinion on that. And once again, if you don't think I'm real, run for city or town council or have the governor hire you as one of his negotiators, and you might get the opportunity to meet me in person, although you might not recognize me when speaking to me in public. Once again, I use much more decorum in public, and because 1/1000th of 1% of the electorate in Rhode Island reads this rag, I'm not particulary worried about who I piss off on this website.
Once again Jack, I do work for a living, and while I don't help people in the sense you did when you worked on the fire department, I feel I've helped fellow union brothers and sisters earn decent wages and decent benefits. And if you ever join a union that I represent, I will do the same for you-no hard feelings.
response to (eewwt)
seek professional help you need it LOl
Paul{union_teacher} Doughty shaking in his boots
Hey Jailbird Joe-I'm so glad you could join us-I just finished writing a post in language even YOU could understand!
June 15, 2009 – Picket lines in Providence, Rhode Island began June 12 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting, culminating a week in which Vice President Joe Biden and more than 25 members of the Obama administration canceled plans to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ event in Providence rather than cross a picket line protesting Mayor David Cicilline’s treatment of Providence Local 799 fire fighters. The Conference, which began June 12, runs through June 16.
The Obama administration informed the U.S. Conference of Mayors that Vice President Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, Senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and other cabinet members and senior-level Obama administration staffers would respect the picket.
Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA) also decided not to cross the picket line.
“That’s a powerful message coming directly from the president and vice president of the Unites States,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “This is another example of the administration’s unqualified support for workers and organized labor.”
Paul Doughty, president of Local 799, also praised the Obama administration for agreeing to honor the picket. “It’s a new era to have a White House that takes labor seriously.”
Local 799, which has been in a long-running dispute with Mayor Cicilline over contract matters, had told the Obama administration that it would call off its picket if Cicilline stayed away from the Conference, but the mayor declined to do so.
Doughty says the mayor’s refusal to skip the Conference highlights what has been going on for years.
Providence fire fighters supported Cicilline in his initial run for mayor after he promised he would negotiate a fair contract. But Mayor Cicilline has consistently opposed fire fighters since his election in 2002.
Local 799’s last contract expired in 2005 and Providence fire fighters have been forced to arbitrate their last seven collective agreements. Mayor Cicilline has fought Local 799 in arbitration and lost nearly every battle. The mayor has also fostered additional ill-will by introducing state legislation and city ordinances against Providence fire fighters.
“We tried to settle our differences with the mayor, but he continues to antagonize the hard-working fire fighters of Local 799,” says Doughty.
FOR HIGHER TAXES, VOTE UNION !
Providence healthcare change halted
01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, May 12, 2009
By Philip Marcelo
Journal Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE — Firefighters union president Paul Doughty said an arbitrator’s decision issued Monday bars the city from switching the union’s health-care benefits administrator to United Healthcare, a cost-savings measure Mayor David N. Cicilline imposed earlier this year for all public employees unions.
Doughty cited language in a decision by Girard R. Visconti, a state Supreme Court-designated arbitrator, which acknowledged that the firefighter’s union –– as well as some retired members of other city unions–– do not have a clause in their contract allowing for any other benefits provider than Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Other union contracts have language allowing for Blue Cross or its equivalent.
While not addressing the 500-member firefighters union position directly, Richard I. Kerbel, city director of administration, said in a statement that the arbitration process is far from complete.
“The arbitrator did not make a ruling on whether the city may change administrators,” Kerbel said. “The arbitrator did rule that in those contracts where Blue Cross is explicitly mentioned, employees must have access to the same benefits that were previously available. Since the city is offering the same plan, just under a new administrator, any modifications required under this ruling would be feasible.”
Doughty disagreed: “While I don’t dispute that the process isn’t over for some of the other unions, the way we look at our union’s involvement in this process is over.”
The firefighters –– along with seven other city unions –– disputed the city’s decision in January to unilaterally replace its health-care benefits administrator from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to UnitedHealthcare of New England.
Cicilline had planned to save the city nearly $11 million this year by splitting Blue Cross’s management of the city’s health-benefit program in two: CVS/Caremark would manage the city’s prescription drug plan while United handled the medical-benefits plan. The city is self-insured, meaning that it hires a company to manage the program but pays all claims out of pocket.
But in December, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams partially blocked the city’s plan. Williams allowed the changeover to CVS/Caremark, a plan that would save the city nearly $5 million, but he ordered the other move submitted to binding arbitration. The ruling has resulted in the city forgoing nearly $6 million in anticipated savings until a decision is rendered by Visconti, a Providence lawyer.
There he goes Blowing his own horn again.we know Paul, you stopped the conference.
www.ri.gov-search criminal database:
Phonetic Search: off Person ID: 09210893
ID Defendant Name or Alias Birth Year Case Number Case Name Case Status
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 21-2002-01148 JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 N1-2002-0409A JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
09210893 SOUSA, JOSEPH 1960 22-2002-01182 JOSEPH SOUSA Disposed
Page: 1 Records: 1 - 3
A prayer for the soldiers at Fort Hood . Lord share the love you give to all men, and accept these brave soles who gave all for our Country.Give comfort to the families in there time of need.We ask this in the name of our lord Jesus.
Union man in his ivory tower
Staring down as he views man's squall er
Looking for perks that he can devour
To feed his clan with fists of power
They plan and they scheme to bring up there levy
The tax payers scream the burdens to heavy
And so goes the battle the war wages on
The tax payers fight will live on and on
Never surrender keep up the good fight
We'll save our state and all will be right.
TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE www.tivertoncc.com join us
THE RI.STATE WIDE COALITION PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO SAVE OUR STATE www.statewide coalition.com
Binding Arbitration in Connectiucuit:
from 2002-2005: there were 410 teacher contracts negotiated, only 10% (42) went to arbitration!
Of the 1,313 Municipal Union Contracts negotiated, only 4 %(57) went to arbitration.
These are HARD FACTS
And prove that BINDING ARBITRATION is not the financial death of our cities and towns.
He's gross and perverted obsessed and deranged
His mind has been twisted he's thoughts have been changed
He talks about Government as if it's a tool
To pick peoples pockets with Government rule
This poster called union he's no friend at all
If you follow him get ready to fall
He knows only one way and that way is greed
The best I can figure it's part of his breed
As soon as we beat him well be in the black
And then once again we'll have our State back
Response to those Supporting and touting Connecticut’s Binding Arbitration Thought you should read this. Before you want it here.
BINDING ARBITRATION LAWS COULD BANKRUPT CONNECTICUT!
May 11, 2009 Press Conference, hosted by Connecticut State Representative Arthur O’Neill
Mike Guarco who heads the Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility.
The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations
As municipalities struggle to find the money to support their budgets they are faced with the realization that 85% or more of local property taxes are dedicated to supporting union salaries and benefits, which are, in turn, driven by State Binding Arbitration laws. They also struggle with the fact that many management rights, due to Binding Arbitration, have been transferred to the unions. From the unions dictating the size of classrooms, to the control of town cars, to the number of fire stations which must remain open, to the work schedule of police which results in the build up of overtime which is factored into their pensions, neither the Governor nor town officials can control their budgets or the taxes we pay until Binding Arbitration Laws are reformed.
Minimum funding requirements to local Boards of Education are due to sunset in 2009. However, this funding requirement may be extended by the legislature which could explain why many teachers unions have refused to give concessions even though many of their students are witnessing the effect of unemployment in their own households.
When Governor Rell introduced her budget with no tax increase she asked the State Legislature to give her what she and town leaders needed in this economy to control their budgets and their personnel. The Governor asked for reform of State Binding Arbitration Laws. She asked specifically for, and I quote: Suspension of binding arbitration requirements for two years while we confront our economic troubles. At the end of the two-year suspension, I propose that we limit mandatory subjects of binding arbitration to salaries and benefits only.
The Federation believes that many more reforms to Binding Arbitration must be made but we endorse what the Governor has requested as an initial effort toward reform. The Governor also asked the Democrat-controlled State legislature to reject the $86 million contract for 5200 state employees driving some salaries to a 6% increase in wages.
As we stand here today, all three of Governor Rell’s requests have been ignored by the Democrat-controlled legislature. The 5200 member union got their raise and her two proposed reforms to Binding Arbitration have been ignored.
With the Federal government sending Connecticut $745 million for education and millions more for other projects, more government employees will be hired and fall under union contracts. There is an obvious concern when this federal money is depleted as some ask the question - Who will fund these new hires? The answer is simple – local and state taxpayers!
Binding Arbitration laws exert an unhealthy power by government sector unions over taxpayers and those public officials who are not intimidated by the unions and actually want to do the jobs they were elected to do. The Governor attempted to do her job – she produced a no tax increase budget but wanted help from the legislature through binding arbitration reform. Without the two year suspension of binding arbitration laws as requested by the Governor, the end result was the State unions receiving a no layoff guarantee for two years while the state anticipates a near $8 Billion deficit for 2010-11.
Taxpayers, the Governor, and the CEO’s of the 169 towns are held hostage to union contracts. Either the wage increases are paid or our officials are forced to go back to the bargaining table and give the unions what they want. And who wouldn’t want to be guaranteed their job. But this guarantee is at the taxpayers’ expense, many of whom do not have jobs and couldn’t comprehend expecting their employer to give them a no layoff guarantee.
And there is much to fear for our State, our towns and our families, many of whom have lost their jobs, their homes and their savings. The losses in the housing market are now being seen in the commercial market. General Growth Properties, which filed for bankruptcy, owns the Buckland mall and malls throughout the country. As commercial bankruptcies and home foreclosures escalate, the impact on sales taxes, property taxes, state income taxes and other taxes and fees will be significant. The loss of those taxes will come at a time when the greatest cost of government will grow as wage increases will have to be paid to State government sector unions who agreed to limited concessions while receiving a two year no layoff guarantee.
So as the scale tilts with less money coming to the State and the State having to pay more, what will the end result be? Could it be less money going to towns which will, in turn, have to raise property taxes! Or will state officials have to raise taxes if their collection rates cannot be sustained. And if the towns and the state cannot find the money they need to keep the engines of government running, with their greatest cost being state and town employee salaries and benefits governed by binding arbitration, then what?
With the economy continuing to plummet, mounting job losses affecting the payment of state and local taxes, and a two year no-lay off clause for state employees as the state’s debt continues to climb, Connecticut and some of the 169 towns in the State could be brought to the edge of bankruptcy. Ironically, the end result would be dissolution of public sector union contracts.
The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations encourages State legislators to reform State Binding Arbitration laws as the Governor has proposed. We ask local elected officials and taxpayers throughout the State to phone or email their state representatives and tell them that without Binding Arbitration reform it will be impossible to limit the growth of government spending and control property taxes.
In conclusion, I would reflect upon the past to demonstrate the effects of Binding Arbitration today. When elected Mayor in 1989, under a strong mayor form of government, I refused the Mayor’s car. I then instructed town personnel to find another means of transportation to and from home as they could no longer rely on town cars. I was grieved by the unions. I thought for sure I would win as this condition was not included within their union contract. But I was wrong. I lost based on Past Practice. If a union is allowed to do something long enough outside the realm of their contract, they have earned the right to continue the practice according to arbiters. The effects of that arbitration decision rendered several years ago are being felt today by towns which are trying to take their taxpayer owned vehicles back from the unions. In order to get them back, they must return to the bargaining table and agree to give the unions something in return.
Jack
Response to taxpayerEP says:
Binding Arbitration in Connectiucuit
The years you a quoting were the beginning and like most things that people think are great at first in the long run as always with the government the taxpayers suffer. As stated by the post above the Sate of Conneticut is in deep trouble with this now and it will take a herculean effort to reverse it.
It is not proven it does not work long term obviously and I'm sure in this Stae it would be even worse with the corruption that exist here.
Jack
How interesting-Jack wants to let everyone know he's against binding arbitration for teachers, but has no problem cashing his FIRE DEPARTMENT pension check every month. Talk about do as I say-not as I do.
response to (eewwt)
Keep pating it on every post only means your lying again as usual and cannot read a post correctly only seeing what you want .
reponse to (eewwt)
Again you dont read anything though it is quite obvious by the post above on binding i'm against use your brain and read rather than assuming as always.
Seek professional help you need it.
Jack
Well Jack, you've proven a couple of things to the readers:
#1-you've proven you can cut and paste the same sentence about professional help 50 times over, and #2-you've proven as long as you collect your fire department pension every month, the heck with all the other unionized public employees. How self righteous Jack.
response to (eewwt)
The only one self righteous here is you not me.
–adjective confident of one's own righteousness, esp. when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others.
I just debate and give my opinion on issues with facts when I can. unlike you.
Get professional help you need it.
Jack
Very impressive Jack-You've posted the same sentence about me needing professional help anbout 50 times-I think the readers get it. Like I've said before Jack, if you're so anti-union, and think the taxpayers are getting the shaft, why don't you set an example and send your fire department pension check back to the government every month to help reduce the nationalk debt. You try to let everyone believe you're the self appointed moderator and dictator of this site, and you also try and villify and condemn the unions every chance you get. All this from a UNIONIZED FIREFIGHTER COLLECTING A GOVERNMENT PENSION-what a role model Jack.
Wrong again and lying as usual Tired of correcting you My pension was earned and never negoiated I accepted what they gave me. Have always said I'm not a moderator but try to use common sense.
Give my opinion on why people like you should quit the vile and uncalled for personal attacks trying to insite hate toward the membership of Unions. You have shown time and again to be an enemy of helping the Unions improve their image, You and Union Leadership have created all this hate toward the Union membership all on your own.
The only one helping put States in deficit and the Government is you Union Leadership in the Unions. Again you lie I never vilify and Only express my opino of the Union Leadership and Manage ment being Morons with no concern for Taxpayers. I use common sense you just use hate,name calling and utter disrespect for members of Unions and any person who has an opposite point of view. That is nor condusive to debate it is unintelligent and hatefull on your part Period.
Get Professional help you need it.
Jack
By the way we could go to arbitration with the FLRA but never had to.
so it reall isnt that hard unless you have ignorant Union Leadership who do not know the meaning of compromise and fair negoiation.
Get Professional help you need it.
Jack
Funny Jack, the members of my union and the unions who retain my services are very happy with my work, and very grateful for my services on their behalf. They want someone in their corner that's going to fight for them and stand up for them-not somebody who's going to cowtow to management and let the cities, towns, and the state step all over them. The more I read of your posts Jack, the more I'm convinced you should have worked in the private sector with union haters such as Joe Sousa, Dan Gordon, Joe Larisa, and Doug Gablinske. At least that way you would be able to show your true union hating colors, instead of reaping the benefits of the union with one hand and back stabbing the union with the other.
Yea right the way you think and read living in your legend in your own mind of course you would think members support you. All part of your obvious mental difientcy on only seeing what you want.
Get professional help you need it.
Jack
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