Eliminate state, federal jobs; fund education with savings

On July 10 I decided to go to the New Jersey Election Law Enforce-ment Commission (NJELEC) Web site to view reports of the local Republican and Democratic candidates in East Brunswick.

First I viewed the Republican reports. Then I tried to view the Democratic reports, but was unable to access them. I telephoned NJELEC on July 11 and was eventually told that none were filed. I asked, "Since they were due in May and June, what is the penalty?" I was virtually told NJELEC can’t do anything.

After I hung up, I began to think about the numerous times state and federal offices have been incapable of helping the ordinary citizens who pay their salaries. That is when I came up with the real solution to our problem of funding education in N.J. No, not the politicians’ answer, but one that will work. Why don’t we get rid of all the government workers who do nothing, as well as many of the political officials (who, by the way, get these people their jobs)? That would save billions over time, especially if you count their pensions. That’s right — not millions, but billions.

How ironic would it be if our federal elected officials and workers had to collect Social Security like the rest of us when they retire instead of collecting their fat pensions? That’s right, seniors — the very people who say they are trying to save Social Security for you don’t even pay into the system. How can we trust people who don’t even pay into the system and are guaranteed millions when they retire?

To the silent majority who earned their jobs by merit, I say get rid of the patronage jobs, get rid of many of the elected offices that serve no function (not just the official, but the office), and use the billions saved for education.

Don’t be silent any longer. Write to the newspapers, not to your local officials — they’re the cause of the problem, not the solution.

Steven J. Weintraub

East Brunswick