The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-06
Pension Bill Near Defect
(Continued from Page D

The original bill (that is last weeks bilD was drawn Up by the Public Personnel Committee Of which Representative Arthur Tan ner 1R., Woodbury) is a member and was submitted to the Mayor early last week.
 Republicans in surprise move yesterday attached the amendment to the bill providing for a referen- dunn by the voting public this fall before the bills adoption becomes final. At a last minute move yester- day the COP leaders withheld the amendment until Senator Patrick Wallace could contact the Mayor as to his approval of such an amend- ment The latter rejected it and the Republicans then re-attached the amendment.
 The bill was defeated in the Sem ate with the attached amendment and passed according to its revi- sions. It then went to the House which adjourned before it came up- on the floor
 Sen. Wallace also came in for bit- ter criticism yesterday for voting for | the bill without the amendment. The latter however, had little if anything to do with the original bill it was contended and was un- aware last week that it failed 10 provide for teachers, firemen and | policemen. Sen. Wallace was one of those who urged the revision of the bill when it was disclosed to him over the weekend that the provisions were lacking
 Republicans claim that the ref erendum amendment is the essence of home rule" and the issue is one involving the taxpayers of Water bury, directly, and therefore, one upon which they should vote.
 Sen Wallace said yesterday that the situation had become so con- fused he was inclined to withdraw the bill entirely and return the matter to Waterbury where all rep resentatives of all groups might again thrash it out and come to a satisfactory conclusion.
 The issue was such a last-min- one" Sen. Wallace stated, that with all the conflicting pressure brought upon me did what I could for all, although realizing it was not entirely satisfactory to all in terests. I sincerly regret that any bad feelings have resulted from the situation and thust that it can be lroned out to the satisfaction of all."
 Although Rep. John Membrino is today expected to attack the pro- posed amendment in the House it IS believed that Republicans have brought sufficient pressure to bear upon the House members to as- sure the amendments passage. Sen. Membrlno is expected to attack the source of COP pressure along the llnes of its being "a ghost of the 1943 legislature" It is believed his attack is directed against for- mer Senator Summa. Rep. Tanner is to introduce the bill into the House and urge its amendment also.
 Senator Summa declared he was working in the interests of the COP party in attaching the refer endum amendment which he claimed to be the best solution at this time. The former state senator likewise attacked the bill as being "actuarially unsound". The new bill provides for contributions by the city of $327,00O and of over $l00,000 by employees. Teachers con- tributions have been hiked to per cent and firemen and policemen from to per cent. Both groups are agreeable to the raise but fire men and policemen are contesting the length of service clauses in the bill.
 The original bill provided for contributions by the city of over $500, ,00O for purposes of creating reserve fund for the carrying on of the pension fund. The mayor contends that such formula is entirely problematical and as such is excessive in It's cost. The mayor contends that the contributions pro- vided in the present bill will amply meet annual pension commit ments and leave enough reserve to build fund.
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