ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 8, 1996 TAG: 9604080100
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Lambert did not return repeated telephone calls from The Washington Times seeking comment. A message left by The Associated Press at his home Sunday was not immediately returned.
A former county official who helped set up the system acknowledged it is costly but defended it as the cost of keeping quality employees.
``History will show (Lambert) was quite valuable,'' said Jack Herrity, who was chairman of the county Board of Supervisors when it set up the plan in 1981.
The plan also benefits Glen Ehrich, who was earning $71,168.86 as deputy county executive when he quit in 1983, and James P. ``Pat'' McDonald, who makes $116,906 a year as deputy county executive in charge of management and budget. County officials refused to give either man's age.
James J. Hogan, who worked as county auditor before resigning last week, said the retirement plan was a bad idea.
``You never set up a pension system for one or two people,'' he said. ``If anyone is so valuable, they should be compensated before they leave, not after.''
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 30 linesby CNB