Secrecy creates ?distrust on ?pension deal

Over the last few weeks parties not involved in the negotiations or the voting on the proposed public-employee pension-change settlement have wanted the judicially imposed gag order on anyone involved in the deal-making lifted.

While we agree with the sentiment, it is too late to do so now before the rest of the affected unions finish voting on the deal this week.

But too much of the process has been shrouded in secrecy. The taxpayers have a right to know what is being offered and what the extra burden would be.

And even the method for tallying the union votes is unclear. If even one union votes against it again, as has been reported, are we back to square one and going to trial?

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Have legislative leaders been part of the negotiations? If so, that would limit the opportunity for meaningful public input once the deal reaches the General Assembly.

Transparency is something that Rhode Island has lacked in the past and it’s time stop backroom agreements and earn back the public’s trust in its government. •

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