As I read the newspaper on Friday, an article caught my attention. The title "State pressed on pensions as costs rise."

One of our prominent state unions, the New Jersey Education Association, is not satisfied with the benefits they now have. They desire more. The majority of the population of New Jersey working in the private sector are lucky to have a job plus medical and pension benefits.

The NJEA says our members need and deserve more benefits, let the taxpayers foot the cost, they have deep pockets.

As it stands now when an educator retires after 25 years of service they receive full medical benefits for life no cost to them. Do you receive that?

Maybe you don't even get a pension. They have a lucrative pension also. Isn't this enough? Oh no, they desire more.

Now they want a guarantee that after you are an educator for five years, you are then guaranteed comprehensive free health benefits for life from that day on.

Where in the private sector does anyone get such a guarantee and on top of that at no cost to you? Man, how good can it be? I wish someone would do that for me and you Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer. Our state legislators have me worried.

Why you may ask?

Well, it looks like in Trenton the governing bodies feel it is okay, that we'll blindly okay that request. It's only a couple more dollars the people need to cough up.

Where do these people we vote into office have their priorities? Are they representing you and me?

We the people aren't really considered at times like this. The NJ.EA has lots of money to spread around and lobbyist walking the halls in Trenton so they are heard over us.

My friends listen up. Use your computers, pen letters or make phone calls. Let the people you voted in know that you need to be considered and are the one paying the bills.

GLENNON L. DEPETRIS - Berkeley Township