Baltimore County Councilman Vincent Gardina (D-Dist. 5) has served 5 terms out of his Perry Hall-based district. As a part time legislator, he earns an annual salary of $54,000. When Gardina retires his seat in 2011, his pension will equal his yearly salary for the rest of his life. If you factor in the average lifespan of an American male, that means we (the taxpayer) will be paying more than $1 million so that the councilman can retire comfortably. Larry Carson, of the Baltimore Sun, broke this story yesterday and followed up today with a reaction from the public.

Like all taxpayers should be, AFP-Maryland is appalled by the Baltimore County elected official pension system. While many are criticizing Wall Street for excessive bonuses and pensions, it seems that the Baltimore County Council has flown under the radar with a "golden parachute" of thier own. For a part time legislator to receive 100% of their salary for 20 years' work is simply insulting to the cash-strapped families of Baltimore County.

AFP-Baltimore County will be taking action on this issue in the weeks and months to come. Steve Bailey and Joe Seehusen, our county co-chairs along with former Councilman Wayne Skinner have been talking about pension reform for quite some time. For more information, contact infomd@afphq.org.