Retirees Support McLaughlin & O’Reilly
AUGUST 29, 2014: An election is now underway for the two elected positions on the City of Boston’s Retirement Board. Our Association is proud to support the reelection of Boston teacher Michael McLaughlin, along with the election of Boston fire fighter Michael O’Reilly.
Retirees Support McLaughlin & O’Reilly
AUGUST 29, 2014: An election is now underway for the two elected positions on the City of Boston’s Retirement Board. Our Association is proud to support the reelection of Boston teacher Michael McLaughlin, along with the election of Boston fire fighter Michael O’Reilly.
Boston retirees should receive election ballots with instructions to return them to a mailing address in New York. The Boston Retirement System has hired a New York firm to conduct the election on behalf of the Board – a now common practice in Massachusetts as well as around the country.
As the 3rd largest retirement system in Massachusetts (105 systems in total), the Boston system is responsible for the oversight of some $4 billion in pension assets for 10,000 retirees and nearly 14,000 active city employees. Another 4,235 retired and 5,492 active teachers are members of the Boston Retirement System.
As an incumbent elected member, Michael McLaughlin helped secure a COLA base increase from former Mayor Tom Menino in 2012. He has also helped our Association to build a robust membership amongst retired Boston teachers.
Mike O’Reilly is well known to our Association’s legislative team. As the legislative agent for Boston Firefighters Local 718, O’Reilly works closely with Frank Valeri and Shawn Duhamel on Beacon Hill. He is very knowledgeable about public pension policy, as well as the city’s excellent health insurance plans.
O’Reilly is seeking to succeed Retirement Board Chairman Sean Kelly, who is also a Boston Fire Lieutenant. Kelly, who is a very close friend and supporter of our Association, is not seeking reelection to the retirement board.
Both Michael McLaughlin and Mike O’Reilly have an excellent working relationship with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. The open lines of communication and mutual respect will go a long way toward helping Boston’s retirees, particularly as the City considers future increases with the COLA base.
We are proud to endorse Michael McLaughlin and Michael O’Reilly for election to the Boston Retirement Board.