Village President Weighs in on Walker's Bill

Opinions about Scott Walker's budget repair bill are spread throughout the state. The bill proposes pay cuts and the elimination of collective bargaining rights for state union employees, excluding police and fire.

Greendale Village president John Hermes believes that if such a bill were to pass it should affect all unions, including police and fire.

"While I support provisions which would have public employees contribute more for their health and pension benefits, the Governor chose to exclude employees in two unions (police and fire) which are the largest pool of potential benefit savings for most municipalities," Hermes said. "In Greendale, the Governor has curiously exempted 55-60 percent of potential benefit savings within our budget.  I certainly don't discount the importance of these two safety occupations within our community, but if there is to be pain exerted from these measures, it should be shared uniformly by all of the unions."