DROP Pension Recipient Marge Tartaglione Is Latest Target Of Challenge
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The woman who oversees Philadelphia elections -- City Commissioner Marge Tartaglione -- finds that her own re-election bid is now being challenged because of her participation in the DROP pension program.
Her City Hall office was the scene of a protest this morning by a group of local activists identifying themselves with tongue in cheek as the "Citizens of Philadelphia Collection Agency."
"I want a refund," says Ellen Chapman, one of the ten demanding that Tartaglione return her DROP ("Deferred Retirement Option Plan") payment if she intends on running for re-election.
"Marge Tartaglione was the first elected official to take the DROP money, she set the precedent, she doesn't care about Philadelphia," Chapman told KYW Newsradio this morning.
Chapman and the others have filed a legal challenge to Tartaglione's re-election bid because of the DROP issue.
Tartaglione took the $288,136 DROP payment four years ago, retired for a day, then began serving her current term. Now she's running again. She was not in the office today when the activists showed up.
Two other local candidates -- City Council members Frank Rizzo and Marian Tasco -- are also facing legal challenges as they run for re-election after signing up for the DROP program (see related stories).
Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau chief Mike Dunn.
