Letter to the Editor: Abele Hasn't Done His Homework

Editor's Note: This letter comes from Bayside resident Kelly Herda in response to an article posted Friday regarding a by Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

I have to wonder if Mr. Abele has really done his homework on this one. He states that he “hopes municipalities will take this opportunity to seriously consider consolidation to remove duplication and save taxpayers money.” Well, we’ve been consolidated since 1994 and I am quite certain we have saved millions of taxpayer dollars over the years because of that consolidation. However, consolidation can only do so much. What needs to be addressed is what has been driving up the costs of these services.

I don’t think cutting staff and diminishing the quality of service is the answer. However, a good start to reducing costs would be to cap the health insurance industries ability to annually raise premiums beyond the rate of inflation.

The is not over staffed and our firefighters are not overpaid – however, their health benefits, which we are paying for, are among the highest in the country*. That holds true for the entire state of Wisconsin, both public and private sectors.

Personally, I would prefer if Mr. Abele would work with our state legislators to aggressively address the price gauging by health insurance companies. That would save millions of taxpayer dollars every year and at the same time continue to provide us with the same outstanding services we have come to expect – not only from our police and fire departments, but in public education as well.

As taxpayers we understand that public services are funded by public dollars; and that we are purchasing services that will enhance the quality of life for our families. Living in a safe neighborhood with prompt emergency service is one of our highest priorities.

 * Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Rankings Report 2010: “Wisconsin health insurance rates have increased faster than the national average. While national employer-based single health insurance premiums have increased 120 percent this decade, they have increased 179 percent in Wisconsin. All Wisconsin regions and metro areas have suffered health insurance inflation above the national average.”