Peifer: No new officials should be eligible for benefits

To the editor, I would like to thank Mr. Scrobe for raising the issue of health benefits, for he has provided me with an opportunity to address the misconceptions concerning my position on this matter. Let me state up front that I do not disagree with John Karl’s perspective that the health care benefits issue needs to be streamlined. After careful consideration I have come to realize that Mr. Karl’s proposed plan is the wrong execution of the right idea. Whereas he would like to deny benefits to only some past employees of the village, using an undefined criteria, it is my proposal that going forward no newly elected or appointed officials be eligible for village provided health care benefits. I grant that this is not a perfect solution, but under the circumstances I do believe it is the most fair to all concerned. As an employee of a large corporation I have not and will not utilize the village health benefits myself, so I have no personal agenda pertaining to this matter. In addition, this fall I voted to reduce the mayor’s salary, so to imply that I am running for selfish reasons could not be farther from the truth. Again I would like to thank Mr. Scrobe for taking the time to voice his concerns and I hope I have clarified my position. It has been my privilege to live in Monroe my whole life and if elected as your mayor I plan to implement an open door policy in which ideas and opinions can be freely shared. I respect the office of mayor and would be honored to represent the residents of the Village of Monroe in that capacity. Sincerely, Jeff Peifer Monroe