To the Editor,

Who are representing the taxpayers of Orange? Not the four City Council Members who voted, at the Jan 21^st, Feb 4^th and Feb 17th City Council meetings to table a resolution to change providers for the city’s medical insurance back to the NJ State Health Benefits program (The city dropped out of this program a few years ago for a less expensive policy). The Feb 17th vote cost the taxpayer’s another $100,000 and will continue to cost that amount every month until the resolution is passed.  The yearly savings to taxpayers would be over $1.3 million.

The change in insurance providers has been challenged by the city’s unions to insure that the “equal benefits” clauses in their contracts are honored. Negotiations are underway to resolve issues with fifty four employees with legacy “traditional” policies. Union representatives said that they would challenge the city if even one union member’s contract rights appeared to be in jeopardy. This is as it should be. It is also right and commendable that the Council ensured that the unions were informed and negotiations for “equal benefits” were initiated.

 
What is not right is for Council Members, however well intentioned, to enter the negotiations on behalf of union employees using taxpayer money. Council Members are in effect, holding taxpayers hostage by demanding $100,000/month ransom until the city can demonstrate to these Council Members that every union member is happy with their new health insurance policy. The cost of not switching to the State insurance plan at all would cost taxpayers over $24,000 per union traditional policy holder. Do these Council Members really think that this would be a responsible course of action?

Council Members have been quoted as saying that it is worth $100,000 a month for members to be sure of a fair union agreement. That is not their judgment to make because it is not their money they are bargaining with. If the Unions would like to pay the city $100,000 month for more negotiating time, that is a different issue.  The resolution for authorization before the Council is necessary to notify the State of the intention to rejoin the system. There would be no immediate affect on employee health care policies, and months to conclude union negotiations.  

The fact is, health care and related insurance coverage has been in crisis for decades in this country.  Traditional, unrestricted medical plans are fast disappearing, no matter who is writing the underlying coverage. I am a retired union member and have personally been through this exact situation.  I understand the stress of having to possibly change doctors or benefits. My family is now covered under the State Health Benefits Plan and looking back, much better off.  I have no doubt that the unions and the city will reach satisfactory agreement.

The cost to taxpayers caused by Council Members continuing to favor union negotiators over constituents is significant. I recognize that Orange is blessed with individuals on the City Council who actually care about people. I am only asking that Council Members remember who they were elected to represent and act accordingly.

Bruce Meyer

Chairman, Citizen Budget Advisory Board