Letter to the Editor: Kudos to Township Manager Richard Krawczun
The writer is Glenn Collins, a Lawrence Township resident who sits on the township's Planning Board.
Dear Editor:
While I don’t always agree with decisions made and actions taken by our township government, I have to acknowledge Township Manager Rich Krawczun’s recent negotiation with our local police union.
Given the state of our economy, as well the FOP’s reputation for being difficult when it comes to contracts, I believe that Mr. Krawczun secured the best possible deal for the taxpayers.
The benefit time cap, shift changes, short-term limit on salary increases and longevity pay freeze are positive steps that will aid in stabilizing a local budget that has far too many challenges.
Mr. Krawczun’s work to get Lawrence over this particular public employee hurdle is an example of doing what is necessary, which is exactly what the taxpayers of Lawrence expect of their local officials.
- Glenn Collins
Linda
10:26 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Big deal, I say it is long overdue! What damage has he allowed over the years? They have finally been intimidated by the voters and I believe they have come to the reality they will be toast in the next election! Why should he be praised for doing his job, shouldn't that be a given for any employee?
Townie
2:50 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Linda give it a break. The police union and Krawczun worked together for the first time in years to come to an agreement that was fair to both sides. The union could have pushed for arbitration which would have cost the taxpayers thousands and vice versa BUT both sides worked together. It was a give and take on both sides and the taxpayers benefited. The town is saving $9,000 over the contract life. Thats a savings, no increase from pension contributions, salaries or healthcare to the taxpayers over the next three years from the most expensive department in the township. Rather then complain as normal, say thank you to both Richard and the FOP. GREAT JOB RICHARD and THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.
Linda
1:42 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Townie since when would one thank a thief for only taking some of your money? This is LONG OVERDUE and I will not thank them! I did not single out the FOP! Richard, as you familiarly refer to Mr. Krawczun, has allowed this mess to spiral out of control under his management! "THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK" LAUGHABLE at best. This loser makes how much money, approximately $165,000 a year, plus benefits? Big deal he is doing his job Townie!
grill master
4:26 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Seriously, Glenn Collins?? You thank Dick for doing his job? Ever hear of too little, too late? Now he may have finally grew some and didn't throw money at the police union, like he has previously and you thank him....that is laughable, as Linda put it.
I guess all of you political hacks stick together, kind of like the mafia.
Let's Dance
4:05 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Township Manager $192,758
Police Chief $167K
3 Lieutenants $132K each
9 Sergeants $118K each
45 Police Officers, Avg $103,607
The police still get raises in their new three-year contract, longevity pay for current employees and now more time off because they will work three 12hr shifts a week. Residents get a new bulk trash fee for a service they don't need, increased taxes every year and higher existing fees. The residents of Lawrenceville got screwed again! Congratulations Dick for making $192K and to the police for stealing from the residents they swore to serve and protect. Your greed is the reason we had to privatize your sister and brother police dispatchers.
Linda
4:30 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Nice if you can get, now how do we get rid of this inept con artist? What's the deal with his contract, do you know Let's Dance?
relo
5:13 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Let's Dance got it right, and its even worse because the numbers above don't include longevity pay. Remember, these guys can retire at 55 with pensions of $70,000+ for life. As a result, our high taxes now pay for a reduced police force and less safety, other township employees lose their jobs, and there are no openings for our young people looking for a career in law enforcement. The cops do fabulously well and everyone else pays the price.