Dear Editor:
I wish to thank Mayor Sal Vega and the West New York Board of Commissioners for sharing our town’s financial situation, which they summarized in the West New York Budget Issues presentation last week.
A point that caught my attention was the item titled “Scores of ineligible persons and dependents have been eliminated from coverage” on p.12. I was wondering what additional actions Mayor Vega is taking against these workers who have abused the town’s health plan?
Any funds that the town of West New York contributed to pay for premiums and medical services for these ineligible people should be reimbursed by the town workers who are responsible for the inaccurate information. Additionally, any person who fraudulently listed an ineligible person on their health plan should be terminated; they have effectively stolen from the town and its taxpayers.
It would be unfair to any of the honest, hardworking staff of this town who are facing the prospect of being layed off, that dishonest people should be able to retain their jobs. Similarly, it would be unfair to the taxpayers for you to merely lay off the offenders.
While I realize addressing this issue will not resolve all of West New York’s financial issues. Taking appropriate action would send a strong message to these wrongdoers, as well as the financially strapped people of this town who placed their trust in our elected officials when they voted each of them into office.
Regards,
Mark & Lori Bloomberg