BACKDROP CASH FOR TWO IN US MARSHAL QUEST

TOP SHERIFF DEPUTIES,
NEAR RETIREMENT,
SEEK NEW CHALLENGE
AS MARSHAL
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County Backdrop Benefits Could Ease Transition to New Job

Special to the Readers of Milwaukeeworld

By Michael Horne

And The Milwaukee World Hound Dog Team

Inspector Kevin Carr of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department. Second only to Sheriff David A Clarke, and with 32 years on the department, he earned $108,127 in 2007, and is eligible for a nearly quarter million dollar pension "backdrop" payment.

Deputy Inspector Esther H. Welch of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department. The 25-year employee earned $84,390 in 2007, the most recent year for which information is available. She could have an extra quarter-million dollars in her pocket while earning $90,000 in a new job -- all while collecting a county pension as well.

Two public safety officials already eligible for pensions and huge backdrop payments are believed to be among four applicants for a vacant political position.. If chosen as U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin., either would be able to immediately receive a monthly pension of approximately 2.5% of their final annual county salary, payable monthly for life, with survivor benefits, even while serving as Marshal, which pays around $90,000 per year, with benefits, including pension.

But, since the two -- Inspector Kevin Carr and Deputy Inspector Esther Welch are Milwaukee County employees, they will also receive an immediate "backdrop" payment of about $250,000 apiece immediately upon retiring from the department in addition to their county pension benefits and Marshal's salary.

"Triple Dip" is not just something you find at the Custard Stand!

However, this is not your ordinary job search. The only name I have found publicly acknowledged as a candidate for the post is John Siefert, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge. I also believe former Kenosha Sheriff Larry Zarletti is a candidate, but could not readily locate a contact number for him. (Imagine, a real estate agent with an unlisted phone number!) Although Siefert is a county judge, he is a state employee, and not eligible for the backdrop payment, but he is plenty eligible for other pensions for his past work as a police officer.

The office of U.S. Marshal -- created by the 1st Congress -- is the second-oldest federal law enforcement agency and a quaint relic of the age of political patronage. Around these parts, the Marshal has an office of about 25, including a Chief Deputy Marshal, presumably to do all the work. The candidates are chosen by the party in power. In Wisconsin, the selection is made by Sens. Russell Feingold and Herb Kohl.
Unlike their policies for judicial and U.S. Attorney nominations, the senators do not have the advice of a commission when they make their decisions on the nomination.

I haven't heard back from Feingold about whether he'd release the list of nominees, while Kohl's office sent me to the Marshal's office for that data, which quest predictably went nowhere.

I left a message with Inspector Carr about his interest, and he returned the call confirming his interest in the job. He said "it would be a pleasure to continue my public service in that capacity. It is a fine organization."
When I asked Deputy Inspector Welch if she had applied, she said "I don't know how to answer that."
I left her my telephone number and asked her to call back when she has that figured out. She's got a jail to run.