The vote, which was a ballot question to accept Sec. 9A of Chapter 32B of the Mass. General Laws, failed at the town's May 6 election. The vote was 828 in favor and 1,512 in opposition. The losing margin was even greater than any of the last four years despite an all-out effort by the Webster Fairness for Retirees Committee. "We did everything we possibly could to convince voters that most towns contribute 50% or more for their retirees insurance," said Committee Chairman Adele Cozzens, a retired teacher. The town does pay 80% toward employees' insurance.

"I'm quite angered that town officials, for the most part, gave the retirees little or no support, especially the Board of Selectmen. Many of the town's employees worked for low wages and have small pensions. They could have used some help."

Assistant Town Treasurer Ellie Doros is one town official who has openly backed the retirees. Doros who has held 'Vote Yes' signs at the polls, was also disappointed by the vote. "Considering the amount of work the retirees have done on the ballot question, it seems that the issue is losing ground rather than gaining support," said Doros.

"We'll have to re-group and consider other alternatives," said Association President Ralph White, who has been working with the Webster retirees. "The ballot question is a dead horse at this time, but it's not the end of the fight."

Meanwhile, in the Western Mass. Community of Southwick, retirees lost a vote which would have allowed the town to pay up to 75% of the cost of retirees' health insurance. Currently, the town contributes 50%.
The vote, on the May 15 ballot question, may have been the victim of a town election in which there were no major contested seats, resulting in a very low turnout. The vote against increasing the town's contribution was 369-236. "Only 659 people voted out of 5,000 eligible votes," said Assistant Town Treasurer Irene Waniewski, a strong backer of the retirees.

"If the town had gone to 75% it would have cost $25,000 annually," she said. "The retirees badly need help... perhaps we'll put it on the ballot again next year when there will be elections."