Zeke Cohen Asks Council President Nick Mosby to Table Pension Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 21, 2022

Contact: 

zeke.cohen@baltimorecity.gov

City Councilmember Zeke Cohen sent the following letter to Council President Nick Mosby:

Dear Council President Mosby,

I respectfully request that you table Council Bill 22-0292, which would allow elected officials to obtain a pension after 8 years of service rather than the current requirement of 12 years.

I appreciate the intent of this legislation and firmly believe in a robust pension system that enables public servants, both elected and unelected, to retire with dignity. I also acknowledge the need to explore changes necessitated by Question K. However, I am deeply concerned that this legislation sends the wrong message to the people of Baltimore and disregards the advice of experts.

Changing the pension system could have serious financial consequences at a time when many Baltimoreans are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. We are likely headed into a recession which will constrain public spending. I believe it sends the wrong message to hardworking unelected government employees, including police officers and fire fighters, to alter our pension requirements while ignoring theirs.

We should respect the advice of experts. During the hearing, representatives of the Finance Department and Pension Board requested time to provide alternatives for preserving the pension system while protecting the city’s financial health. We should honor that request and consider all of our options.

Finally, we know that trust in government is strained. Any perception of self-dealing is toxic. Now more than ever our decisions must prioritize the people we serve over ourselves. Please consider tabling this bill until we have more information and can chose the best path forward. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Zeke Cohen