Morning Read 2: Blogger blasts Sayward for pension “pay day”
John Warren, editor of the Adirondack Almanack, has written a commentary that hits Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward for her decision to accept a state pension while still employed in the legislature and drawing a full paycheck.
What makes this all the more offensive is that Sayward has claimed to be a big opponent of such pensions. Just three months ago, she completed a questionnaire for the League of Women Voters.
“Political appointments and benefits are way too rich, Albany needs to lead by example… retirement benefits are unsustainable,” she said, knowing full well she was about to take advantage of a loophole (along with 11 other state legislators including Janet Duprey) that would would line her own pocket.
Her idea of leading by example? Get as much as you can, while you can.
The issue has also drawn scrutiny in the Glens Falls Post Star, which blasted Sayward for “hypocritical double-talk.” Read the Almanack commentary here.
Tags: politics
Ah, dear me. Yet another tempest in a tea pot.
If I were in T’s shoes, I would do the same.
Actually, I guess I do. I still work but draw SS.
It’s my right and if John doesn’t like it, tough!
Pete: the differences are that…
a) You didn’t get yourself elected on a campaign on less government and slashing excessive benefits and…
b) You don’t get to unilaterally define your own pension benefits, unlike state legislators.
So change the law. There are many laws I don’t like such as all the no smoking, prostitution and anti-drug laws. And those are just the tip of the iceberg of the laws I don’t like.
Yes, there is a bit of a disconnect here but this is the nature of what we proudly call “a government of law, not of men.”
The problem isn’t with the law. It’s with the politician that espouses one position for others and a different standard for him or herself. It’s almost comical to see the hardliners on benefits tie themselves up in their proverbial underwear when they try to justify availing themselves of similar benefits.
I have to agree that calling for one thing and doing another, especially in such a public venue, is, well… the word dumb jumps to mind. Somehow it would almost be more comforting to learn of it through some whistle blower or that it was the result of a backroom deal. Doing it so blatantly is classic RINO action.
Bret, is Sayward considered a RINO by the tea folks?
This sounds like one that will sort itself out in the next election… Of course nthat depends on folks remembering until then…and actually voting.
I don’t Dave. She represents the district I used to live in, but I haven’t heard much about her. That type of “do as I say, not as I do” stuff is classic RINO/Democrat type activity the type of thing TP types tend to remember for a long time. There are few politicians of any brand that display any character at all any more. The Gov. of Maine is one of the few for example. Refusing to knuckle under to special interest groups is a rare thing these days.