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Highlands Today

Bob Germaine

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Cheyenne Morin

Published: October 28, 2008

Once again Ms. Mary Wilson's statements are being called into question. You can't change facts.

In regards to Mr. Strenth's letter where he refers to Mary's brochure as a "complete fabrication" when it comes to the figure for Mr. Germaine's compensation over the next four years if elected. Mr. Strenth, perhaps no one got the message to you. Mr. Germaine tried this same tactic last week in Lake Placid and it backfired. You really shouldn't argue with anyone with an accounting background when it comes to numbers.

Now, we will be more than happy to explain exactly how Mr. Germaine reaches that million dollar figure from the taxpayers money. Vital for every person to keep in mind is that not one penny of this has ever come from Mr. Germaine. County government employees do not pay into their own retirement accounts.

Mr. Germaine's much noted lumpsum payment accounts for $230,000.

Mr. Germaine's clerk of courts salary if elected would be $110,000 per year. Over a 4-year period that amounts to $440,000.

Mr. Germaine's actual retirement payments, about $4,300 per month, would make for a 4-year total of $206,400.

Mr. Germaine's medical-dental and other benefits would be about $1,500 per month, that's a 4-year total of $72,000.

Mr. Germaine's new retirement account, as he would be classified in another retirement class, would be 15.37 percent yearly of his new salary, according to Florida's Retirement System. That's $16,900-a-year or for a 4-year period that would be $67,000.

So, let's do the math now: $250,000, $440,000, $206,400, $72,000 and $67,000 all total up to $1,035,400!

Keep in mind that these numbers are conservative where they are best estimates as we received our information from the Florida Retirement System and they don't account for pay increases or increases in medical premiums.

Once again we would like to point out that Mr. Germaine has the option of holding off his retirement until he actually retires. Mr. Germaine will tell you that he isn't double dipping, Sen. Mike Fasano recently said otherwise. Don't let Mr. Germaine manipulate the numbers.

Cheyenne Morin
Sebring

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