I would like to take this time to respond to this letter from Katherine Trimnal [published in the May 5 edition of the Columbia Star].

First I retired from the City of Columbia Police Department a year ago after 25 years of service to the citizens of this town, and I take her uneducated comments about the cost of living increases to all city employees as a slap to all the employees that keep her city running.

First of all I dedicated 25 years to the people of this city, and after getting to the rank of Investigator, working in the Crime Scene Unit, being called away at all hours of the night, and the "adjusted living" I made with all of the over time approximately 49.000, and now being retired , that retirement check is a drop in your wealthy bucket.

The people who keep your sewers clear from backing up into your home, along with the people who keep you safe, and save you and friends from burning up in your homes, never came to you for a pay increase. They have all done this for the love of others.

Working at the city is NOT a government hand out for people who couldn't make it in the real world as you see it. They have a calling. Yes, some of the department heads make well over what they should earn, but it IS the people below who make them what they are now. Where were you when the management was getting the hefty pay raises, when the workers were getting the leftovers? The regular hard working, every day people deserve the cost of living. This was the time of year I always looked at, holding my breath, to see if any increase would hold me just above the rising cost of living like you. Just as a reminder, the police officers pay is Well below the average and fire fighters pay is also well below the state and adjoining states pay range. You don't know what you are getting for the very dedicated city employees you may pay for, that's if you are paying for them in your city taxes. The employees DESERVE what ever increase they get. Please don't ask what the retired people don't receive. It isn't much for the years spent keeping you safe and happy.

- Jim Potash