Friday, February 25, 2011

Retirees Safe?

This was e-mailed to us, purportedly from Greg Bella's Facebook page:
  • [Emanuel] met with F.O.P. PAC. Stated he will not change benefits that retired city employees are receiving. He does believe he can change the pension benefits for active employees. Pensions cannot be diminished or impaired because of constitutional protections and prior court rulings. Emmanuel has since backed off and now states that he will sit down with the unions to discuss pension issues.
We aren't sure of the mechanisms in place, but if you're vested in the pension or hired under certain rules, then those promises are pretty solid from a legal standpoint. Someone versed in the legalese might be able to explain it better?

In any event, the various unions are girding for battle:
  • Leaders of several unions representing city workers weren't ready to take on Rahm Emanuel a day after he was elected mayor, despite his campaign promise to press for benefit reductions because of the city's looming budget crisis.

    "I don't think anybody really knows what to expect right now," said Chicago firefighters union president Tom Ryan, who left his congratulations to Emanuel in a voice mail Wednesday. "It's definitely going to be an adjustment period."

    Both the firefighters and police unions backed the candidacy of second-place finisher Gery Chico. Ryan said he plans to "proceed with caution" as Emanuel prepares to take office in May, while police union president Mark Donahue promised to work with the new mayor "as diligently as possible."
"work with" better mean "fight tooth and nail" in these circumstances.

Labels:

90 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

DONAHUE is the biggest ASSKISSER the FOP has ever had! PLEASE QUIT NOW DONAHUE you MOUSE among men!

Lets hope Bella wins this thing because he is the only one who will voice his disgust for the nonsense that is about to become our reality as city workers!

Hold on boys and girls and keep your pants zipped up and belt tight. There's a category 5 storm on the horizon in the form of a 130lb wannabee manchild!

2/25/2011 12:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From the FOP website:

There has been a great deal of concern from our members regarding comments that Rahm Emmanuel made during his Mayoral campaign. During discussions with the Lodge, Mr. Emmanuel stated that he does not have any intention of diminishing any benefits already earned by our members.

Members who have not yet retired should not draw any inferences from his statement. All members benefits, retired and active, cannot be diminished as they are protected under Chapter 13 of the Illinois Constitution.

Mr. Emmanuel has since backed off of these earlier comments now saying that he will discuss the pension problems with the unions that are involved. The Lodge intends to meet with Mr. Emmanuel to discuss the issues in the near future.

2/25/2011 12:50:00 AM  
Anonymous NO LONGER a republican said...

Who here listens to conservative radio such as WLS?

I do.

I thought I was a die-hard republican.
I guess I was wrong.
They are beating us up (public workers with pensions) like you would not believe.

From now on we should ALL be considered 'independent' and vote on each individual issue.

2/25/2011 01:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fear is a powerful motivator!

2/25/2011 01:54:00 AM  
Blogger Paul Huebl Crimefile News said...

Safe until they file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy...

2/25/2011 01:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

O.T
The answer to weis will be on the transfer order. If u see his people on it then weis is gone.

2/25/2011 02:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the city is broke 401k

2/25/2011 02:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope they figure this out quickly at least for those who can pull the plug before he takes office.

To retire or not to retire. That is the question.

The rest of us are doomed.

2/25/2011 02:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

***POOF***

Just like that it's gone! There's your law.

===clip===

Wis. Assembly passes bill taking away union rights

The Wisconsin Assembly early Friday passed a bill that would strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights — the first significant action on the new Republican governor's plan.

The vote put an end to three straight days of punishing debate, but the political standoff over the bill is far from over. The measure now goes to the Senate, where minority Democrats have been missing for a week, preventing a vote in that chamber.

No one knows when — or if — the Senate Democrats will return from their hideout in Illinois. Republicans who control the chamber sent state troopers out looking for them at their homes on Thursday, but they turned up nothing.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/news/local/chibrknews-wis-assembly-passes-bill-taking-away-union-rights-20110225,0,4610722.story

2/25/2011 03:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember people, in order for Stubby to renegotiate the pension beneifts, they WE must agree. If WE were to agree to renegotiate then that opens up the contract.
Once the contract is opened for renegotiation of any part of it = all of the contract is up for renegotiation.
And trust me, Stubby will only look at the pension and medical benefits!!!!!

2/25/2011 03:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also named to the team were Felicia Davis, a former Chicago police officer and an administrator at Kendall College, and Rebecca Gonzalez, a vice president at Casa Central, a social service provider.


I have no idea who Felicia Davis is, but I know that I read on a previous post that she is someone that Rahm would be taking on his staff. So here you go, he's doing it. Who is she? What is she about?

2/25/2011 03:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just so everyone can breathe a little easier remember that it is in the state constitution that our pensions cannot be altered. Which means when he "sits" down with the union tell rahm to stick it where the sun don't shine. FOP that is your JOB!!!!

2/25/2011 03:56:00 AM  
Blogger 12GA. said...

My fear is that they can attempt to alter the calculations for our city pensions, based on future credits. However all accrued pension credits, based on the present formulae, should remain immutable.

As always, the greater fear is that FOP officials would engage in self-serving behavior instead of looking out for the dues-paying members of the lodge. (These sell-out acts would allow for other changes, whereby age or years-of-service requirements would have the greatest impact on destroying the last few remaining shreds of morale among those who are not yet eligible to retire.)

My advice: If you can leave now, don't wait to be pushed (very soon).

2/25/2011 04:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Isn't that great! Boeing won a contract with the armed services to build airplanes. 50,000 jobs are going to be created in Washington state.

But our great midget mayor gave Boeing the space to put their headquarters here in Chicago, with a 5 million dollar tax break, supposedly to create jobs.

Get the FK out of here, as we always figured. The blue collar jobs are elsewhere and always continued to be. So who really got that money/tax break?

2/25/2011 04:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Donahoe's not gonna do anything with Frodo,his ass and his team is out the door.

2/25/2011 05:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The U.S.A. is broke. We spent more money than we had and the next one to two decades won't be pretty. Our pensions are "guaranteed" by the Illinois constitution but it doesn't mean it's "in the bag". There are a lot of things the state can do like: tax our pension away (see you got your $3900 per month pension and now we just passed a new law taxing it at 70%), allow the pension funds to go broke and not fund it, etc....

2/25/2011 05:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT kinda, but is there any truth to something I heard(or maybe misunderstood) about CPD's health insurance ending in 2012 and guys having to find and pay for their own health insurance/healthcare. Does CPD have medical paid for by the city now or do guys contribute towards the cost of it? I'm at a rr police dept. and I took the last exam...just wondering incase it ever comes down to making a decision.

2/25/2011 05:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whoever came up with the gold braid scam should be drawn and quartered. It's nothing more than draining our pension fund to reward political patronage for suckass political hacks.

REPEAL THE GOLD BRAID BILL NOW!

2/25/2011 06:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(OT) Just read sneed in the times,seems eddie burke will keep his detail,he was "threatened' who is the guy arrested and thrown under the bus?

2/25/2011 06:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

7 Illinois cases from 1974-2002

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/cgfa2006/Upload/2008%20JANUARY%20Handbook%20of%20Illinois%20Pension%20Case%20Law.pdf

2/25/2011 06:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rahm went to several firehouses Thursday morning to assure firefighters he wants to save their pensions.

2/25/2011 06:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This guy is a vindictive asshole, you just know he keeps an enemies list longer than Nixon's ever was.

He's making RMD look good lately.

2/25/2011 06:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uh oh, looks like the retirees will have to go back to work.

2/25/2011 07:20:00 AM  
Blogger john said...

I have commented on this board before. I will be retired 4 years this April and I do not consider my pension safe at all. To be perfectly honest, I still think the fund will be insolvent at the earliest 2018 and the latest 2022. Except for safety on the streets the pension should be the most important subject of any meeting, negotiation or whatever. But, the police are the police and most think very short term. I would offer a few suggestions
1. Get rid of the gold braid pension- way too generous and it is terrible public relations. 2. Get rid of the cola ( it would hurt me but unsustainable). 3. Hold the investment advisors accountable ( just because you are heavy- Ariel Cap -does not mean you perform 4. Trustees should be held responsible for their money decisions. 5. Monitor the trustees and their " free" trips that are paid for -- if you look at other funds-- this is also where the problem is-- trustees making monetary decisions based on the free " goodies". 6. The retired member of the board should be someone with a financial background- the guy in there now has no concept of a cds, cmbs or any of the derivative nonsense the fund has owned in the past

old retired guy

2/25/2011 07:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Crimefile said...
Safe until they file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy...

2/25/2011 01:57:00 AM

******************************

Eh, and we should assume you're correct in this assumption when you're not even aware that municipalities file Chapter 9, not Chapter 11?

2/25/2011 07:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

so as long as the fucking retirees are safe then fuck it, right? I mean who gives a rats ass about the guys and girls fighting the fight now! Ugh, whatever...fuck this place

2/25/2011 07:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT:

Anyone have the direct phone number to Downtown Ernie Brown's office or voicemail?

For the past week, we've had these "Watch Commander Action Reports" to complete per DTEB.

Since the "citizens" want to know why we are contacting them, I've been saying DTEB cares about them and their situations and wants to know how they are doing and how he can help.

Many of the citizens wanted to express their concerns to DTEB, but I couldn't find which phone number to provide.

I figure if we can all do the same, this BS will soon come to a halt. Thanks and stay safe.

2/25/2011 07:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just like that it's gone! There's your law.

--

Wisconsin has a different State Constitution than Illinois, buddy...

2/25/2011 08:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Letter to Rahm---Do the job you were elected to do. Do it right. Do it logically. And take care of the people who do the right thing day after day. As for all the other useless pieces of shit with a crack pipe, medical card and welfare check in one hand and a voter registration card in the other...fuck them. In other words, help the people who help themselves.

Have a fucking conscience, if that's possible.

---not a cop

2/25/2011 08:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Probably my irish father who is always saying to anyone that will listen "I wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire." Even I begin to wonder why he thinks he'll see Burke on fire one day.

2/25/2011 08:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought I was a die-hard republican.
I guess I was wrong.
They are beating us up (public workers with pensions) like you would not believe.

From now on we should ALL be considered 'independent' and vote on each individual issue.

2/25/2011 01:19:00 AM
--
Um, you were voting by PARTY up to now? Well, that's as sheep-like as can be.

ALWAYS vote by each individual issue!! Some have merit, some don't. The same with candidates for office.

I have never voted a straight ticket in my thirty years of voting, and I am sure I never could.

2/25/2011 08:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hold on boys and girls and keep your pants zipped up and belt tight. There's a category 5 storm on the horizon in the form of a 130lb wannabee manchild!

2/25/2011 12:25:00 AM
_____________
It takes a 130lb manchild wannabee to know a 130lb manchild wannabee.

2/25/2011 08:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

NO

2/25/2011 08:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Retirees are safe SCC. Mike Shields wants retirees to think that they are not safe so he can get elected then claim to save their pensions when all he really does is a whole bunch of nothing.

2/25/2011 08:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, No panic, a quick bit of research turns up that the day you put a penny into the fund the Illinois Supreme Court finds that you have a binding pension agreement and are protected under the Illinois Constitution. If you don't beleive it here are all the pension law cases in Illinois, read them and don't be a sheep.

Miller vs. Retirement Bd. of Policeman’s Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago

The People ex rel. Sklodowski vs. The State of Illinois

McNamee vs. State of Illinois,

Schroeder vs. Morton Grove Police Pension Board,

Felt vs. Board of Trustees,

The People ex rel. Illinois Federation of Teachers, AFT, AFL-CIO vs. Lindberg,

Peters vs. City of Springfield,

Kraus vs. Board of Trustees

He can't do shit.

2/25/2011 08:25:00 AM  
Anonymous the Virginian said...

SCC, there are 3 states involved pretty deeply in litigation now for trying to strip already-retired folks of promised pensions. Its one thing to change the package for current employees, its another from a legal viewpoint to change a contract after the fact.

2/25/2011 08:26:00 AM  
Anonymous NOT A BELIEVER said...

We aren't sure of the mechanisms in place, but if you're vested in the pension or hired under certain rules, then those promises are pretty solid from a legal standpoint. Someone versed in the legalese might be able to explain it better

SCC, many police officers were hired under the rule there was no mandatory retirement age. Then Daley changes the requirement age to 63, srewing officers out of a chance getting 75% pension. What do you think?

2/25/2011 08:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Funny how no one is talking about the 700 lb. gorilla in the room..... Mainly the $$ wasted on illegal immigrants & the welfare state....... Address those issues & there will be plenty of $$ to pay the LEGITIMATE bills......

Bottom line is there is plenty of $$ coming in, it's HOW it's spent & TO WHO thats the problem.....

2/25/2011 08:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I disagree with the below poster. Let's not get complacent folks.

Just so everyone can breathe a little easier remember that it is in the state constitution that our pensions cannot be altered.

OK, so Rahm makes a deal with Madigan who controls the State's purse strings, (i.e. Support for Lisa as Governor, thru Obama, make sure the US Attorney informs Fitzgerald not to look into Madigans shady deals etc.) in return for support to change/alter city pensions.

I'm sure you'll agree that we can't put it past any of the 'players' and as we've all seen, it's simply... politics as usual.

2/25/2011 08:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets not judge our union rep's responses(police and fire). They are guarded but can't put the gloves on already! Like it or not they are going to have to communicate with this guy......

2/25/2011 08:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Just like that it's gone! There's your law.

===clip===

Wis. Assembly passes bill taking away union rights

The Wisconsin Assembly early Friday passed a bill that would strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights — the first significant action on the new Republican governor's plan"

Except is does not apply to Police and Firefighters.

Stubborn things those facts...

2/25/2011 08:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Who here listens to conservative radio such as WLS?

I do.

I thought I was a die-hard republican.
I guess I was wrong."

Welcome back Rahm!

2/25/2011 08:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is why I voted for Bella's Team. We need people that know what they are doing. Shields has no experience. He needs to stay at the pension board.

2/25/2011 08:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Governemt pension reforms shouldn't include police and fire, as reforms would never be imposed on elected officials.
The Wisconsin issue will likely come to Illinois, but again will exclude police & fire.
What needs to be addressed here in Illinois is the size of our government, the largest in the nation. There's a bureau for just about everything, high paid executive directors and chiefs far beyond what is necessary, all patronage positions.
Now in Chicago, we have the same, directors, administrators, chiefs and commissioners of every sort, all set to collect big pensions.
THESE ARE THE ONES THAT NEED PENSION REFORM AND REDUCTION.
As First Responders, police & fire work around the clock, weekends and holidays, in some off the worst places in all types of conditions with limited equipment.
We miss family affairs, denied use of days off, subject to bs rules, lack qualified supervision and constantly overworked and under staffed.
WE AS FIRST RESPONDERS DO MORE THAN ANY OTHER CITY EMPLOYEE, ELECTED OR APPOINTED.
The City wants Pension Reform? Start with the elected officials and all the overpaid department heads.

2/25/2011 09:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Just so everyone can breathe a little easier remember that it is in the state constitution that our pensions cannot be altered. Which means when he "sits" down with the union tell rahm to stick it where the sun don't shine. FOP that is your JOB!!!!"

You haven't been paying attention!

Read this article about proposed legislation that would allow Illinois to tear up union contracts.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/27/opinion/la-oe-gingrich-bankruptcy-20110127

2/25/2011 09:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hope and Change.

Just as Obama promised one thing and delivered something completely different, so will his boy, the Tiny Dancer.

2/25/2011 09:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

when are you vested?

2/25/2011 09:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rahm's pal is giving him advice on how to do it.


Madigan open to discussing cuts in state pensions

BY DAVE MCKINNEY AND STEPHEN DI BENEDETTO

Sun-Times staff Reporters

Last Modified: Feb 9, 2011 03:50PM

SPRINGFIELD — The top House Democrat delivered potentially sobering news Tuesday to the state workforce, saying for the first time publicly that he’s open to a discussion about scaling back existing state workers’ pensions thought to be sacred under Illinois’ Constitution.

2/25/2011 09:43:00 AM  
Anonymous HATER said...

WHO IS ON THE FOP PAC?


I WANTED TO CHECK ON THERE VOTING RECORD FOR CITY ELECTIONS. AND YES IT CAN BE DONE.

2/25/2011 09:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Illinois Constitution protects accrued pension benefits. What you have now, you will keep. (And if you think that can be overcome, just remember that every judge who would be ruling on that question has a state pension himself. A little built-in bias toward pension protection.)

But there's no reason that future benefits can't be changed. Higher contributions, slower vesting, later payout start dates, lower annual multiplier. All those things are going to happen.

It's not pleasant, but if it brings some solidity to the finances of our pensions, I say it's worth it.

Face it, folks, our pensions have been an outrageously good deal for a long time. They're going to change to just a really good deal.

2/25/2011 09:49:00 AM  
Anonymous HATER said...

RAHMS PICK FELICIA DAVIS A POLICE OFFICER???

NOT MANY QUIT SO WHAT THE DEAL DID SHE GO TO CHEF SCHOOL AND WHAT THE HELL IS A HOSPITALITY DEGREE?

KENDALL COLLEGE ISNT THAT LIKE DEVRY?

Dean, Student Affairs
Felicia Shallow Davis is a former Chicago police officer and has over 18 years of professional experience in the public service, culinary and hospitality fields. She oversees operational planning and leadership and supervise career services, student housing, student life and student counseling. She holds a degree in culinary arts and a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, both from Kendall College.

2/25/2011 09:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where are Shields and the other elected pension fund trustees? It’s YOUR JOB to protect our PENSION!!!!
We need to change the way we elect the pension board.

Opening Day of the baseball season is coming, let’s see which pension board trustees go to the games for free and get that preferred parking spots!

CHANGE needs to come, at THE PENSION BOARD!!!!

2/25/2011 09:54:00 AM  
Blogger john said...

One other thing I would suggest. That those on disability received their income from the city not our pension fund. The city is liable for these not the fund. I think your mayor elect mentioned this and it is a good idea.

old retired guy

2/25/2011 10:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can say what you want about Donahue. Im not a big fan. But Donahue and his crew has always had good connections down in Springfield. This is exactly where we need freinds for the next few years. Considering Shields has never been to Springfield I dont think hes well equipped to handle our problems.

2/25/2011 10:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Remember people, in order for Stubby to renegotiate the pension beneifts, they WE must agree. If WE were to agree to renegotiate then that opens up the contract.
Once the contract is opened for renegotiation of any part of it = all of the contract is up for renegotiation.
And trust me, Stubby will only look at the pension and medical benefits!!!!!

2/25/2011 03:29:00 AM

Totally wrong. You should get some accurate information before posting. Pension has nothing to do with the contract. Assuming that you can read, take a look at the contract an let us know where it addresses the pension.

2/25/2011 10:50:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Anonymous said...
Whoever came up with the gold braid scam should be drawn and quartered. It's nothing more than draining our pension fund to reward political patronage for suckass political hacks.

REPEAL THE GOLD BRAID BILL NOW!

2/25/2011 06:19:00 AM

Just in case you missed it the salary for pension purposes is now capped at about 106000. That pretty much does away with "Gold Braid"

2/25/2011 10:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

NO LONGER a republican said...
Who here listens to conservative radio such as WLS?

I do.

I thought I was a die-hard republican.
I guess I was wrong.
They are beating us up (public workers with pensions) like you would not believe.

From now on we should ALL be considered 'independent' and vote on each individual issue.

2/25/2011 01:19:00 AM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't act like a ghetto rat. The current union and pension system needs to be fixed. It is not sustainable. Let's not ignore the 800lb. gorilla in the room like a bunch of liberal babies. Do nothing and when the money runs out all we will have left is promises. Grow up!

2/25/2011 11:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Just so everyone can breathe a little easier remember that it is in the state constitution that our pensions cannot be altered. Which means when he "sits" down with the union tell rahm to stick it where the sun don't shine. FOP that is your JOB!!!!

2/25/2011 03:56:00 AM

===================================
Any changes to the pension has to be done thru state law. Also any increase in contributions has to come with an increase in benefits.

I can see the city asking that they want it funded 80% over 50 yrs instead of the 90%over 30yrs.

2/25/2011 11:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The city/state won't file bankruptcy unless absolutely necessary. The effect that it will have on the city/state will be far more destructive than any benefits that are gained. Its a nice threat but any politician in place that ends up filing bankruptcy is committing career suicide.

2/25/2011 11:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Safe until they file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy...


The republicans in congress are asking the states to do just that.

2/25/2011 11:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I remember back in 1992 as I spoke to my grandfather as he lay on his deathbed when he spoke some potentially prophetic words. He said he was glad his time was up because as a WWII purple heart veteran he would not have to witness the next civil war in this country. With all this pension reform taking place , especially in the Midwest, could he have been right? Could this issue be the spark that leads to the fire? Where will we as law enforcement stand? Hard choices ahead. Guess it's time to use my Cta checks for weapons and ammo to protect my family! I truly hope he was wrong......

2/25/2011 12:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This new Mayor is treacherous, he is dangerous and a backstabber, he worked a deal to safe Daley, Dalet sent his brother to Washington, I have 35 years on this job and 60 yrs old, I have reasons for still being here, but we all need some solid clarification as to weather or not he can mess with the pension, all of our unions better get together and meet to form a group to get a solid answer, all you Union Presidents owe it to us members. Don't compromise the members lives.

2/25/2011 12:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a 35yr veteran, very close to fretiring, but over the years I have stated that the young cops live for today and don't ever think of tomorrow, the unions are even worse, all of them are in it for MONEY, and I am friends with Bella, DeMaria, Etc. I really feel for the youing cops, they just don't think about thier future, too busy chasing one baggers for court time . Get your heads out of your asses, demand action from your union, Strength in Numbers, Our pension board has dealt tons of our money away, they laugfh at us behind our backs, This Gallagher clown is just that, Hauser is a fat FUCK who is a scammer to boot.

2/25/2011 12:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Felicia Davis is good people. She is a former Area One Detective who is married to a current Area One Detective both are quiet hard working and intelligent. Rahm will benefit greatly by having her on his team and the Police dept will benefit by her providing him with insight on the police dept workings especially the Detective Division.

2/25/2011 12:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He's making RMD look good lately.

2/25/2011 06:50:00 AM



bite your tongue.

2/25/2011 12:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Whoever came up with the gold braid scam should be drawn and quartered. It's nothing more than draining our pension fund to reward political patronage for suckass political hacks.

REPEAL THE GOLD BRAID BILL NOW!

2/25/2011 06:19:00 AM


You don't know the half of it, young fella!


Back before it got cleaned up by requiring 3 years at exempt rank in order to qualify for the Gold Braid pension, these bastards used to qualify for it if they were at that rank when they retired. You can imagine how much bullshit was going on back in those days!

2/25/2011 12:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The gold braid pension IS dead.

New hires will max at 75% of 106,800. This, 106,800, is lower than the top salary for Captains and lieutenants as well. Therefore Captain and Lieutenant pensions for new hires are dead as well.

Compare our current CPD pensions from top to bottom with pensions from other similar departments around the country and you will realize CPD pensions are modest.

If u want to claw-back existing gold braid pension benefits you open a door that you will regret ever opening.

2/25/2011 02:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In light of the financial shortfalls in City Government. The main issues of concern for active members: the FOP & PBPA should be:
1. Solvency of the Pension;
2. Medical Time-Off benefits;
3. Medical Insurance Coverage with minimum or no copayment;
4. Cost of living Pay increases;
5. Educational Reimbursements;
6. Fair & Equitable Promotions;
7. A minimum of 2 years as a WC before being promoted to Exempt.
8. Exempt members serve no more than 3 years in the position. If they fail to achieve the next level, they return to either Lt. or Capt.

2/25/2011 03:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Retirees put their time in plain and simple. Remember one thing, It is very important that the attitude "fuck the retirees" will one day be about you.

2/25/2011 03:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If memory serves me right didn't the city pay all of the retiree's medical before "Rich the Bitch" came into power. How did he change it so that retirees now pay a good chunck until 2013 when retirees will pay it all and if any retiree thinks that the city will pay ANYTHING you are a total idiot.

2/25/2011 03:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have no idea who Felicia Davis is, but I know that I read on a previous post that she is someone that Rahm would be taking on his staff. So here you go, he's doing it. Who is she? What is she about?

She came on in 1991, was in my class. Was a very sweet gal never a hater or talked bad about anyone. She made det on her own than resigned to work in private sector I guess. I never had an issue with her and Rahm could have done a lot worse.

2/25/2011 05:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

Isn't that great! Boeing won a contract with the armed services to build airplanes. 50,000 jobs are going to be created in Washington state.

But our great midget mayor gave Boeing the space to put their headquarters here in Chicago, with a 5 million dollar tax break, supposedly to create jobs.

Get the FK out of here, as we always figured. The blue collar jobs are elsewhere and always continued to be. So who really got that money/tax break?

2/25/2011 04:46:00 AM


Boeing's factories are mostly in Washington along with a skilled, if laid off, workforce.

I heard jobs going to Kansas, another state with many skilled aircraft workers.

2/25/2011 05:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John said...

Anonymous said...
Whoever came up with the gold braid scam should be drawn and quartered. It's nothing more than draining our pension fund to reward political patronage for suckass political hacks.

REPEAL THE GOLD BRAID BILL NOW!

2/25/2011 06:19:00 AM

Just in case you missed it the salary for pension purposes is now capped at about 106000. That pretty much does away with "Gold Braid"

2/25/2011 10:54:00 AM


That is for those hired after Jan 1, 2011.

http://www.iml.org/page.cfm?key=6172

2/25/2011 05:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just so everyone can breathe a little easier remember that it is in the state constitution that our pensions cannot be altered. Which means when he "sits" down with the union tell rahm to stick it where the sun don't shine. FOP that is your JOB!!!!

2/25/2011 03:56:00 AM

And Madigan recently stated that he supported reducing benefits for current public employees. If they make the laws, they can change the laws.

Thanks for not voting, assholes.

2/25/2011 05:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

You can say what you want about Donahue. Im not a big fan. But Donahue and his crew has always had good connections down in Springfield. This is exactly where we need freinds for the next few years. Considering Shields has never been to Springfield I dont think hes well equipped to handle our problems.

2/25/2011 10:36:00 AM


Donahue was the one with the Springfield experience. He was president of the Illinois State FOP. Their headquarters is in, Springfield!

In fact, Donahue is on the State Lodge Executive Board. He is the State Lodge Immediate Past President.

Current State FOP president is Ted Street, before him was Mark Donahue.

As the Immediate Past President of Chicago Lodge 7 FOP in a few weeks, Mark will still be on the Board of Directors of Lodge 7. His knowledge and experience isn't going away. He will be around in that capacity until there is another FOP Lodge 7 President.

His experience in Springfield will be invaluable and available to whoever is the next FOP President, be it Bella or Shields. Relax all.

2/25/2011 05:35:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

so as long as the fucking retirees are safe then fuck it, right? I mean who gives a rats ass about the guys and girls fighting the fight now! Ugh, whatever...fuck this place

2/25/2011 07:45:00 AM

Just like FOP gave a fuck about new hires? They got the shaft, but fuck it because we got ours, right?

Union means to stick together, not take what you can and run. Once they get a toe hold, you can forget it. But our guys sold us out by starting with the new hires.

2/25/2011 05:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They made drinking alcohol illegal in this country. How hard do you think it would be for the democrats in Springfield to change the laws so they can screw you out of your pensions?

You better get active and stay informed. Your future really depends on it.

2/25/2011 05:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If they change one word of pension benefits, then bet your ass your pension is gone in five years.

Enforce what you have. Do not believe the media nonsense.

The mayor of Chicago has no power to change a single pensioners benefit.

If they let the fund go bankrupt, then the court would put pensioners ahead of bond holders. That means that the billions the state borrows every year would go to pension before the bond holders.

It is these large investment firms that hold these municipal bonds that are pushing this nonsense. Goldman Sacks knows they will be out billions if people fight for their pensions.

Someone should inform this country's investment bankers that even AAA bonds are not guaranteed. They should have put tier money somewhere else. Too bad for them.

Surrender nothing. Do not settle for half your pension when you have a right to it all. Do not let the media fool you. Your pension is guaranteed. The moment you believe otherwise and settle for less, you're finished.

2/25/2011 07:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Illinois Constitution protects accrued pension benefits. What you have now, you will keep. (And if you think that can be overcome, just remember that every judge who would be ruling on that question has a state pension himself. A little built-in bias toward pension protection.)

But there's no reason that future benefits can't be changed. Higher contributions, slower vesting, later payout start dates, lower annual multiplier. All those things are going to happen.

It's not pleasant, but if it brings some solidity to the finances of our pensions, I say it's worth it.

Face it, folks, our pensions have been an outrageously good deal for a long time. They're going to change to just a really good deal.

2/25/2011 09:49:00 AM

--------

This post is completely false.

The state constitution absolutely guarantees your stated benefit from the moment you pay into the pension.

The benefit promised at the moment you paid can never be reduced.

It is this bullshit appeasement-media babble, to barter away what is guaranteed that will be the end of us all.

2/25/2011 08:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That $106,800 was a scam. There is like cost of living and inflation built in. Think about it in 29 years and a day when new hires can retire at 75%, the partolmans pension will be that
That will be like the year retiree had to be born to get the cola and every five years it was raised. Same thing will happen to this cap

2/25/2011 08:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Illinois Constitution protects accrued pension benefits. What you have now, you will keep. (And if you think that can be overcome, just remember that every judge who would be ruling on that question has a state pension himself. A little built-in bias toward pension protection.)

But there's no reason that future benefits can't be changed. Higher contributions, slower vesting, later payout start dates, lower annual multiplier. All those things are going to happen.

It's not pleasant, but if it brings some solidity to the finances of our pensions, I say it's worth it.

Face it, folks, our pensions have been an outrageously good deal for a long time. They're going to change to just a really good deal.

2/25/2011 09:49:00 AM

Recently had a converrsation with somebody who I think should/would know and until two weeks they would have agreed one hundred percernt with the above post. Talking about unfunded pension liabilities and all of the sudden House Speaker Mike Madigan is now willing to take a look at changing pension rules for current for state employees to alleviate massive state funding deficits. What we once believed to be sacred ground protected by the Illinois State Constitition may now be fair game because of one opinion. If Speaker Madigan is willing to send the legisation changing pension regulation through, who is going to fight him? The Illinois Attorney General? Guess again.
Who do we think put the judges where they are?
Maybe no more COLAs
Taxing pensions in the state of Ill?

2/25/2011 08:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the Anonymous asshole who called me a "fucking retiree"...listen you smarmy little cretan, I paid my dues on the job when there wasn't a union or any kind of protection to any copper who wasn't clout heavy. Being put on midnights because I pissed off the sgt with absolutely no recourse but to suck it up. Seeing people who belonged anywhere but on the police department carrying a gun getting promoted because they were related to an alderman...I fought for a union and even tho it seems to have seriously lost it's way, you are worlds better off now than we were without it. You are probably one of the people who beefs their brains out but never makes it to a meeting and doesn't even vote. Don't you ever call me or any other police officer a "fucking retiree". Who the hell do you think you are? And I have the balls to sign my name you goof.
K. Anderson

2/25/2011 10:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Felicia Davis, if this is the one I am thinking she is, used to be Felicia Shallow. At one time she was engaged to EB. They both worked at the Academy and were planning the big wedding. EB had major issues with jealousy and there were some domestics that got swept under the rug. She wisely called off the wedding and dumped his ass. EB must be sweating a little bit now. She was a nice, funny, bubbly girl.

2/25/2011 10:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep the medical at 55 and out,watch how many more coppers will flee,that allows city to save money by hiring coppers at much cheaper wages,and reduced benefits!

2/25/2011 11:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't act like a ghetto rat. The current union and pension system needs to be fixed. It is not sustainable. Let's not ignore the 800lb. gorilla in the room like a bunch of liberal babies. Do nothing and when the money runs out all we will have left is promises. Grow up!

2/25/2011 11:11:00 AM

Yes, but don't attack the workers. You should be ashamed of yourself.

2/26/2011 12:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the DONAHUE lovers in the crowd.

I will pay for your MRI. What the fuck has he done as a union prez, that has made you stand up and feel proud?

I'll give you the answer. NOTHING!

One word guys and gals! C O Z Z I.

A mouse among men. Need I say more.

The prez of a union is supposed to be the mouth of the working man and woman, not a mouse.

BELLA for prez.. I guarantee you all a few chuckles and the hair standing up on your back when he talks.

Dont let us down GREG. The Rahminator is here.

And for all you saps that believe in your glorious new mayor, this is Chicago people..The law doesnt exist here.

Like Saddam said. "The law is anything I write on a piece of paper". And you can bet your last dollar, there's a full ream on the Rahminators desk...

2/26/2011 01:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And take care of the people who do the right thing day after day. As for all the other useless pieces of shit with a crack pipe, medical card and welfare check in one hand and a voter registration card in the other...fuck them. In other words, help the people who help themselves.

Have a fucking conscience, if that's possible.

---not a cop

2/25/2011 08:01:00 AM



1. the right thing, according to rahmbutt, is to vote in every election and to vote a straight Democratic ticket, so, those 'useless pieces of shit' are 'doing the right thing', according to rahmbutt and his ilk.

2. also according to rahmbutt, people who help themselves don't, by definition, need to be helped, other than to help relieve them of their earned income.

3. and, no, that's not possible.

2/26/2011 04:12:00 AM  
Anonymous O'Brien said...

You don't know the half of it, young fella!


Back before it got cleaned up by requiring 3 years at exempt rank in order to qualify for the Gold Braid pension, these bastards used to qualify for it if they were at that rank when they retired. You can imagine how much bullshit was going on back in those days!

2/25/2011 12:36:00 PM

Ummmm, Interesting, but totally wrong. The 3 year requirement was in the original version of Exempt pensions. It is no longer a requirement. Exempt ranks, including D-2's and D-2a's are just like everyone else. Pension percentages are computed on the highest 48 months out of the last 10 years. There is NO 3 year requirement.

You could look it up!

2/26/2011 10:46:00 AM  
Anonymous O'Brien said...

I forgot to add to my previous post that none of this makes any diffence because the salary for pension purposes is now capped at 106K or so. Anyone know if that only applies to new hires. I would assume it does since the Constitution prohobits diminishment of pension benefits to current employees.

2/26/2011 10:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

NOT MANY QUIT SO WHAT THE DEAL DID SHE GO TO CHEF SCHOOL AND WHAT THE HELL IS A HOSPITALITY DEGREE?

KENDALL COLLEGE ISNT THAT LIKE DEVRY?

++++++++++++++++++++

Where did you graduate from asshole. What degree do you hold? State school? Harvard? West Point? You pompous asshole, by all accounts this woman was a good copper and she made good after leaving the job. I love you fucking dopes who beat up on someone because by your standard they have a sub standard degree. Kendall has a very highly regarded culinary and hospitality program, and It is not easy. Is it brain surgery? No, but not everything is. Did you get a degree in drinking and cutting class? Seems like your superior education has served you well. You are on the job just like the rest of us.

Go back to the basement, mom just brought you a grilled cheese and tomato soup.

2/26/2011 05:45:00 PM  

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