‘Political Wimpishness’ and the Sylvia Cunliffe Case

I find it perplexing that Cunliffe feels so put upon. At age 54, she retires with an income of $58,000 a year, plus $10,412 in vacation pay and $17,350 for unused sick leave.

When I retired after 29 years of teaching in Southern California public schools, I received, in 1980 and at the age of 55, $7,260 a year. No pluses, although I had lots of unused sick leave.

Now I must confess that the figure has swelled to $8,088, the 11% raise--over seven years, mind you--reflecting our generous built-in cost of living increase (we old teachers call it our un-COLA).

Being a city administrator seems to pay well. And it should. But should administrators who behave unethically be rewarded with full benefits granted early and a paid vacation?

KARL BENJAMIN

Claremont