Council candidates on pensions: Elaine Courey

ANSWER: This is a tough question, as I am a teacher and approaching retirement age. I have taught for 15 years and 62 is the retirement age for most teachers. Teachers' goal is to work 30 years to receive the best package. Social Security benefits go into effect at 65. I have to work until I am at least 65 to receive both my teachers benefit and social security. Am I to understand that city employees can retire at 55? Can't they work longer? Say to at least 60. The amount of years to receive any longevity pay should be increased to at least 25 years. Employees need to buy into their retirement plans a bit more. What if the percentage a employee pays into their retirement is increased to half from the employee and half from the city? I feel an employee for this city must buy into the city and be willing to give both ways.