Ed Martin's INSIDE VENICE FLORIDA Blog          Sunday, 17 June 2012 Perhaps this is why Emilio Carlesimo did not want other Council Members to Have Health Coverage Hi Emilio, It was nice of you to come down and visit with me at the last Council meeting even knowing you faced a humiliating defeat on the Challenger issue (which I guess I helped to bring about). I’m glad you liked my newspaper letter and encourage my further engagement. Actually, as long as you are on Council you will continue to be the greatest incentive for my activism. To that point, I’m thinking that you are receiving around $100,000.00 a year in retirement benefits. That would be a full pension as a fire lieutenant in Detroit and a half pension as a Sarasota EMS worker plus generous health care benefits, etc. In addition, I understand you could immediately start collecting another small pension after six years as a Venice City Councilman. Warmest regards, Ted Koszarski Post A Comment Posted By Ed Martin at 7:19 PM in Category:Inside Venice Replies 19 Jun 2012 Jim Bennett Ed: I don't believe Emilio has to wait six years to get a pension, since I recollect open discussion at Council where it was stated that both he and I have the one-year vesting defined contribution plans. Unless we individually contribute to these plans, the municipal contribution is not great, nor are the benefits. Last I recall, my vested interest was about $3,000. If I am incorrect about Emilio being in this plan, I know I am in it! In any event, I also believe that Emilio could not get post-retirement health benefits from the City, because that is available only to Council members who retire while in the City medical plan, and he isn't in that. I am, and have noted the weird situation that would allow me to retire tomorrow,le and remain in the plan at a cost now that is less than half of what I presently have to pay. That is due to a Florida statute, however, and not a City policy. Jim 19 Jun 2012 ed martin Jim, I will check with administration and make a note if your recollection is incorrect. As far as your last paragraph, the decision to charge Council members made by the City, means that current council members will pay more than anyone else, retired Council members, etc for their coverage, assuming they were in the City plan. I understand some Members are paying the 100% or 105% (I forget which was the final number.) If they retire they would be eligible for reduced costs. As the "German soldier" used to say on Laugh-In, "Interesting--but dumb." Ed 17 Jun 2012 chuck malkerson Koszarski is a kick...