Christensen defends severance

Published: April 23, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Outgoing MLA Tom Christensen denies he is abusing taxpayers’ funds by accepting severance.he Canadian Taxpayers Federation has taken aim at 15 months of wages and benefits to MLAs who retire or are defeated May 12. It’s ironic the harshest critics of politicians never put their name on a ballot and run,” said Christensen, who is not seeking re-election. A recent review of compensation provides $127,000 to each MLA not returning to office, as well as $9,000 in educational assistance while they look for work. B.C. MLAs happily accepted a dole program that rewards quitters and could pay more than a full year of salary and benefits for just four years of service,” said Maureen Bader, CTF’s B.C. director, in a press release. “Taxpayers worried about their own jobs can only dream about the over-the-top benefits MLAs jumped on board for. If a private sector employee quits or is fired with cause, which is what being defeated is, they don’t get a severance payment.” Bader is calling on elected officials to follow the same rules as the people they represent. “This pocket-lining exercise shows how MLAs feast on pork,” she said.

But Christensen insists there is a need to help MLAs transition back into private life after their careers were placed on hold. “I’ve heard about some of the challenges and I’m shocked about how challenging it is for someone in office for four, eight or 12 years to go back to what they were doing or something else,” he said. In the case of Christensen, he was an MLA for eight years and he must requalify to practice law and many elements to being a lawyer have changed, such as using electronic technology. Christensen admits, though, that politicians voting on their own remuneration is sensitive. “I’m not sure what the right numbers are so I was grateful that an independent panel looked at it,” he said, adding that conditions are tied to the severance. “They make a huge assumption that someone leaving office won’t be employed at something else. I plan to be employed at something else.” If a former MLA gets a job before the end of the 15 months, the payments are terminated. Christensen says the financial impact of being elected must be considered if people are to be encouraged to seek office, but he isn’t surprised by the comments coming from the CTF. “I look forward to seeing Ms. Bader’s name on a ballot so she can get some experience about the job,” he said.

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Golden handshakes Web posted on Thursday, 23 April 2009 CHBC VIDEO

Nice if you can get it. Retiring Okanagan MLA's are in line for handsome taxpayer payouts.