Politics & Government

Woburn Residents Weigh in on DeNapoli Benefits Controversy

Patch readers weighed in via social media on where they stand on the debate. Here is a round up of some of those comments.

The benefits package of injured Woburn Police Officer Robert DeNapoli has been the topic of discussion throughout the summer, and this week was no exception.

During the City Council subcommittee meeting earlier this week, aldermen discussed the possibility of letting the people of Woburn decide the fate of the benefits package DeNapoli would receive at the ballot box. Mayor Scott Galvin vetoed the City Council approved package the previous Friday, leaving the benefits package currently in limbo.

Since there is a possibility the voters could be the ones to decide the fate of the package, though based on City Council discussion it may be an uphill battle, we turned to Patch readers to find out where they stand on the issue.

After we asked the question on the Woburn Patch Facebook page, there was a large response from the community. While the majority of readers said they believe DeNapoli should receive 100 percent of his pay for life, it wasn't a unanimous opinion.

The following are a few examples of responses given by Woburn Patch readers. To add your own opinion, you can weigh in below in the comments section. But as always, please remember to keep the discussion civil.

Rob Bullen: I am pretty sure the city isn't divided on this. It seems only the mayor and a handful of other people believe he shouldn't get 100% pay after he retires. The man almost paid the ultimate sacrifice for our city. I think it's time we reward him for his selfless actions. I appreciate the mayors concern for the financial health of the city but this is not the place to wage that battle.

Steven Downie: My opinion: He is getting his fair share and then some. I agree 100% with cutting his pay to 80% after 65. Honestly, after 65 he should be on Social Security like the rest of us. There are people who risk lives every day doing dangerous things from getting the food we eat to building the sky scrapers we work in. They get don't get a nice package at the end of their services. Sorry you got shot, but innocent people are shot every day and get no compensation. Also citizens who protect others from criminals get no compensation either. This is the job they signed up for.

Rick Eckberg: From what I've read and heard on this issue, ALMOST EVERYONE in Woburn has agreed to the 100%/100%. It was voted as yes by the City Board and then the Mayor vetoes it! After that incident happened, the Mayor was on TV singing praises for DeNapoli and rightfully so, give him what he deserves, what was voted on and everyone pray that no other Woburn officer's ever have to go thru this. I really hope everyone in Woburn has payed attention and votes for a new Mayor! The Mayor is saying he's worried about the money, what about the huge raises for the Mayor and City board? That costs us money, the Mayor isn't vetoing that tho, is he?! Officer DeNapoli is disabled from protecting citizens of Woburn, pay him!

Melissa Streed: I have great respect for the Police Department. That is not the debate. I agree that he gets what he deserves, but also 100% or 80% is still more than other public protectors get. Would we be fighting the same over a soldier hurt in combat? Or a paramedic or firefighter in the same situation? Soldiers get only 40-60% of pay through the VA when they get hurt... The thing is you can't blame the mayor for wanting to protect our budget. Whether he is truly doing it for that reason we will have to see.

Erin Kathleen: Anyone who takes a bullet(s) for the job they work on, even if you work at McDonald's, should be taken care of for the rest of the life they have left. Especially if they are left wounded whether it be mentally or physically. If it were your husband, brother, son etc. you would want help from media, social networks and your community in making sure his quality of life would be sufficient enough. I would fight for any of you and your loves ones and so would my father. He's proved that by nearly dying to protect Woburn.


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