Picking up what was DROP-ped

OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 2, 2010

To the Editor:

Back in 1999, then-Mayor “Fast Eddie” Rendell started the DROP program with Michael Nutter and John Street as councilmen.

Then in 2004, Mayor “His Way” Street tried to do away with the DROP program and was shot down by Council. Then he opted to sign up for the same program he wanted to do away with.

Now in ’10, Mayor Nutter wants to do away with it. So far, two councilpeople have DROP-ped and came back with a big payday. Now, six more council members have signed up.

First District Councilman Frank DiCicco said if he runs again, he will donate his lump sum payment back to the City. I’m sure between now and the time he receives it, he’ll find some City ordinance that disallows him from doing so.

Former Managing Director Camille Barnett worked for two years and, through a loophole, could buy into the pension plan and collect for a lifetime. How many others have done this without being detected?

Remember, next year a lot of Council will be up for re-election. Vote them out, or go along with their program. They would rather layoff police and close firehouses than trim the fat from those offices which could afford to lose a few.

Now we have to wait until September when Council comes back from its long summer vacation to deal with this issue. It’s time for the citizens of Philadelphia to speak up.

Mario Marchetti
South Philadelphia