Al Beliveau

To the editor,

State Representative, Neal Kurk (Republican from Weare) is proposing House Bill 1530 that would ensure that only base pay is used to calculate retirement benefits for policemen, firemen, teachers, etc. This bill would eliminate only using the last 3-years of overtime, sick days and vacation time to calculate the retirement salary and would use the base pay instead. This makes it fair for everyone. Why should these retirees earn more money when they retire then they did during there career?

Currently only 58-percent of the N.H. retirement fund is funded. If House Bill 1530 is not passed, the taxpayers will be paying more property taxes to fund the current system. I realize that most union members traditionally vote Democratic and benefit from the current practice. But, what about all the other taxpayers and the increases we are experiencing because of this?

Belmont just hired two more police officers and a dispatcher under the current system. Who is going to pay for their retirement, health care, pay raises and all the other benefits from their union contract? Answer: YOU— the taxpayer!

Belmont has a wonderful school system and we should be proud of everyone who has made it that way. But, unfortunately, the Belmont tax rate is one of the highest around at $19.69, with the school rate being $9.02. As more and more families move to Belmont to take advantage of our schools, who will pick-up this increased cost? Answer: YOU — the taxpayer!

Please support House Bill 1530 to keep the retirement system solvent! The money just isn’t there for the retirement and health care system as it is.

Al Beliveau

Belmont