Salute to the Medicare crusaders

To the editor:

In January 1984, I was in the Police Academy as a recruit and sat next to Patrick Lynch. In 1999 he became president of the Policemen's Benevolent Association (now the Police Benevolent Association) and I always admired his leadership and advocating for his members. Imagine my great disappointment to read his PBA letter where he says "The PBA signed onto the Health Savings agreement as part of our overall contract settlement.” Translation: The PBA agreed to the Medicare switch. 

While it is true that the Municipal Labor Committee had the votes due to the voting imbalance the PBA should not have agreed to this as a matter of principle. When my former academy classmate states this "does not result in any new change to active or pre-65-year-old retiree health benefits," I have to question that. It is true that this does not affect active members (not yet but will when they retire). However, pre-65-year-old retirees are affected if they are on Medicare (from Social Security Disability). 

Allow me to acknowledge and thank the leadership, moderators, group experts, legal team and all who support our effort with monetary contributions, showing up at City Hall rallies, making phone calls, sending emails and most importantly keeping the faith. We will prevail.

Jack La Torre