By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
More than any other political position in New Jersey, at least in terms of percentages, the county sheriff’s post is rife with legal pension abuse. ‘Double-dipping’ is the familiar term.
One sheriff candidate in Morris County’s 2016 GOP primary wants to op-out.
There’s something you don’t see very often…
Republican Jim Gannon says he’ll voluntarily file paperwork with New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits to freeze his own pension – collecting only the sheriff’s salary – if he is elected to the job in November.
“Make no mistake, I believe law enforcement officers and firefighters earn their pensions – these men and women leave their families at home and put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Gannon in a statement. “But, for me personally, getting two checks funded by taxpayers to do just one job didn’t seem right. I want voters and taxpayers to know that running for Sheriff isn’t about the money for me – it’s about keeping our county safe and secure.”
Gannon retired in 2008 as a Member of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) after 25-years with the Boonton and Boonton Township Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. His annual pension adds up to $78,160; he’s earn in the neighborhood of $200,000 per year without the freeze. Amazingly, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 43:3C-3, he’ll also need to surrender a $60,000 beneficiary payment in the event of his death, something the candidate called on the state legislature to correct.
Gannon is facing off against John Sierchio this June to earn the right to run in the general election to succeed retiring Sheriff Ed Rochford.
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