Ed Farrell, executive director of the Retired Public Employees Association
Ed Farrell is the executive director of Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), a notfor-profit entity headquartered in Troy, Rensselaer County, that is solely focused on advocating for the interests of public service retirees from New York state and local governments.
Founded in 1969 and now celebrating its 50th year, RPEA works on behalf of former public employees and their spouses to protect their earned benefits, provide news and information, and be available via phone to answer questions regarding retirement.
Q: What public service positions have you held, and how long have you been involved with RPEA?
A: “I have been involved in public service, working with policy issues for nearly all of my career. I received a Master’s in Public Administration and started out in local government. I was Community Development Director for the City of Cohoes, Deputy Budget Director for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and Executive Director for the Conference of Mayors. I have been Executive Director of RPEA for the past five years.”
Q: What was the catalyst that helped lead to the establishment of RPEA 50 years ago?
A: “The catalyst for RPEA’s founding was the fact that there was no organization working solely to protect the benefits that retirees earned through years of employment. Most unions have a component that includes retirees, but their primary focus is always on current employees, who are the members of the bargaining unit. Retirees are no longer members of the bargaining unit. Hence, there was a need to have an organization just for retirees.”
Q: What are some of the issues RPEA advocated for this year on behalf of public service retirees?
A: “Health insurance in retirement is the major issue for all retired workers, not just public service retirees. This year, we were successful in defeating several proposals in Governor Cuomo’s budget that would have reduced health insurance benefits for all retirees in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).
“We were also successful in defeating a legislative proposal that would have infringed on the State Comptroller’s fiduciary responsibility to invest the assets of the Pension Fund solely for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to current and future retirees.”
Q: How many RPEA chapters are there?
A: “It should be noted that, contrary to a commonly held perception, nearly 80% of public sector retirees remain right here in New York. In addition to our central headquarters here in Troy, there are ten local chapters across New York. Each chapter has its own Board of Directors and holds events throughout the year. These retirees remain active in their communities, and the chapters are regularly involved in volunteer/charitable events such as food drives to assist local food banks and pantries.”
Q: How do I learn more about RPEA?
A: “You can learn more about RPEA by giving us a call at (518) 869-2542 or by visiting www. RPEA.org. You can look up your local chapter, see if there are any upcoming events planned, and learn more about RPEA’s mission and the additional benefits available.mYou can also follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook. com/RPEANY. See what others are saying. Better yet, sign up and join RPEA!”