Having lived in our state for some 55 years, I have noticed one marked characteristic that separates our current state workforce from the earlier one having predictable retirement benefits.
Under the older system, a major goal was to become vested in the retirement plan, then to strive for promotion and increase the benefits available after retirement. A significant advantage of this system was a reservoir of seasoned employees who knew their jobs and were willing to advance and learn more.
They got things done and were willing guides for newly elected officials who were often woefully ignorant of the workings of state government.
I became a part of this system and worked for nearly 10 years in the same office, part of a willing and knowledgeable “work family.” I suspect it was far more efficient than a rotating force of shorttimers who must wonder if they will ever attain their retirement nest egg.
— Don Neal
Anchorage
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