Our PFRS Trustee
candidate makes
an impact on
retired members
On Dec. 11, PBA Local 600 held its monthly meeting and Christmas party
at St. James Church in Woodbridge. I was amazed at the turnout, as more
than 300 members attended to enjoy an end-of-the-year celebration and
sign up for 2019. Many new retirees, as well as longstanding members, were
there to enjoy the food and camaraderie and receive their annual allotment
of PBA cards.
There was also a little time for business. With the all-important election
JIM
for the retired member trustee on the newly formed PFRS board underway,
TOMA
we were happy to introduce Bruce Polkowitz, our endorsed candidate, to
STATE
the crowd. Many have heard about Bruce, who is also endorsed by the NJ
DELEGATE State PBA, through reading about him in NJ Cops Magazine, our website or
mailings. But many of our members had not heard Bruce speak in person.
At our meeting, Bruce provided a glimpse into his leadership abilities and his vision for
how the new PFRS board can benefit retired members. He gave us a message of inclusion
and compassion for our members most in need, which included articulating his strong de-
sire to not only have COLA return, but most importantly to assure all of us that the viability
of the pension system is paramount.
Many members took the opportunity to meet individually with Bruce after he spoke,
asking questions, posing ideas and generally getting to know someone to whom so much
of our future could be entrusted. I have been in his company several times during events
like this, in addition to one-on-one meetings with Bruce where we discussed questions,
thoughts and ideas. I can truly say I feel 100 percent confident that we have picked the right
person for the job.
As the end of the year approaches, I want to express my thanks to all the Local 600 mem-
bers who have helped out throughout the year without compensation and with very little
complaining. We have grown into a strong and important Local, and our voice is being
heard throughout the state. The State PBA leadership respects our input and our needs
and has consistently asked for our advice and support, as well as including our executive
leadership in decision-making.
I personally have received so much help in serving as the State Delegate for such a big
group on so many issues. It would hard to thank everybody who made such great contribu-
tions, but in particular I’d like to thank Tom Lombardi, Tom Milmoe, Ed Weimmer and Tod
Colleta for always being ready, willing and able to assist and steer me in the right direction.
There is no one person who can do this job properly without help, and I certainly appreci-
ate the opportunity to reach out when needed.
Let’s keep growing our membership through getting the message out there to all our
members. This is how we get things accomplished — there is power in numbers. We have
many goals for the new year, and we will need all our collective talents and voices to get
them done.
Lastly, I ask all who take advantage of our offered plans — Legal Protection Plan, Vision
Plan, etc. — to please get your payments in soon. The vision plan has a deadline of Jan. 15.
I appreciate the promptness.
Thanks again for a successful year, and we are looking forward to another year of growth
and brotherhood. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy New Year.
20
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ DECEMBER 2018