Re: “PERA board approves big pay increase for CEO,” Aug. 27 news story.
Greg Smith, PERA’s CEO, will get a 20 percent pay raise and big bonuses as part of a three-year contract extension. (Courtesy of PERA)
As a retired probation officer with Denver Juvenile Court from 1971-2001 and a member of the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA), I feel it is unwarranted and unconscionable that CEO Greg Smith will receive a 20 percent pay raise. This is 10 times as much as the 2 percent annual raise that dedicated retirees, such as distinguished judges, are grateful to receive. It is 20 times as much as the 1 percent that rank-and-file state employees received this fiscal year.
Lee Kaspari, Lakewood
This letter was published in the Sept. 3 edition.
I’m not surprised by the scrutiny surrounding Greg Smith’s new compensation package, but I do find the fuss a tad bit overboard. I’ve had a business relationship with Smith for several years through my work and mutual involvement with organizations focused on retirement security for workers. I’m a taxpaying private-sector employee — and registered Republican — who commends his competence and labor on behalf of the employees he serves. I’m lucky because I also benefit from the efforts of a smart, hard-working CEO, and like me, PERA constituents can trust that their leader works tirelessly with their well-being in heart and mind.
In an often “Me, me, me!” world, I think itap a win-win and money well spent.
Shelley Fredrick, Aurora
This letter was published in the Sept. 3 edition.
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