In the last two editions of the Phoenix, both editorials have had the same theme — the attack and vilification of unionized public employees, a cause which the Phoenix has used its bully pulpit to champion for many years.

As a retired unionized public employee, I have read these numerous editorials and remained silent, but I have finally decided it is time for the readers to hear from a unionized public employee to hear another viewpoint.

Contrary to what the Phoenix intimates in their regularly scheduled editorials/attacks, unionized public employees are not multi-millionaires, we do not live in mansions on Poppasquash Point, and we don't have a fleet of Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars in our driveways — far from it.

We are regular, working class blue collar people who have the same mortgages, credit card bills, and everyday expenses as those in the private sector. And guess what — we also pay taxes, just like everyone in the private sector.

But unfortunately the Phoenix chooses to portray us as greedy and evil individuals, solely because we bargain collectively and our paychecks are funded by tax dollars.

Many years ago, when I chose a career in the public sector, I did so knowing full well that I would never become super wealthy, but that I would most likely have a steady job with fair pay and benefits, along with a secure retirement. Also, I chose that career knowing that I would have to make numerous sacrifices, including long hours, an irregular work schedule which included nights, weekends, and holidays, and a job with an injury and mortality rate much higher than most private sector jobs. It seems the Phoenix always chooses to highlight the benefits of being a unionized public employee, but conveniently fails to mention the sacrifices and downsides that go along with that career choice.

And speaking of career choice, everyone has the opportunity to become a public employee, but it's a fact that due to the constant bashing of public employees and the opportunity to become far wealthier in the private sector, the number of applicants for public sector jobs grows smaller every day.

So to the Phoenix editorial board and critics of unionized public employees, please keep in mind we are the ones who pick up your trash, we are the ones who keep your cities and towns safe from criminals, we are the ones who put out your fires and respond to your medical emergencies, and we are the ones who teach, inspire, and many times babysit your children. But most importantly, we are your neighbors, and we work just as hard as you do, and contrary to the editorial opinions in the last two weeks, we actually earn and deserve what we make and what we bargain for.

Mike Proto
Bristol