Oh, Dannel, what a disappointment you are. The governor’s been pumping the judiciary full of geriatric pals, positioning them for $100,000 a year pensions after serving a few short years on the bench. When lawmakers tried to put an end to the practice, the governor’s men tucked an amendment onto the legislation. It’s politics as usual in Hartford.
In less than one term in the governor’s mansion, Dannel P. Malloy has appointed 10 men and women to the bench who are aged 61 or older. Under state law, judges must retire at age 70. But judges are eligible for a full pension the day after their appointment. Hence, in the newest batch of Solons, two 66-year-olds will hit the judicial lotto jackpot, which includes health benefits for life, after fewer than four years of service.
