DROP-ing in on Council's 6 new members

MAYOR NUTTER wants DROP to die, but most of City Council's newest members have no plans to kill it.

Nutter has vowed to end the controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan, which enraged critics after elected officials retired for a day, collected hefty pension payments and then returned to office.

When Council passed a mild reform of DROP last year rather than killing it, Nutter vetoed the bill. Council then overrode the veto, suggesting that DROP is likely to remain in place.

The Daily News asked the six new members of Council whether they'd help Nutter kill DROP:

*  Mark Squilla, Democrat: No.

* Reason: Squilla said Council's reform bill fixed many of DROP's problems. "As long as the city does not lose money, leave it the way it is."

* Kenyatta Johnson, Democrat: No.

* Reason: "I wouldn't support getting rid of DROP. There needs to be an open dialogue about interest rates [paid to DROP recipients] because ultimately, I want to make sure it's a win-win for everybody.

* Bobby Henon, Democrat: No.

Reason: "My understanding is that Council responsibly met with many of the parties, and they came up with an agreement that represents the city of Philadelphia."

*  Cindy Bass, Democrat: No.

* Reason: "The biggest problem was elected officials' use of it. The citizens I encountered said DROP was important for their retirement funds. I think of it as a way to supplement retirees who have given so much to the city over the years."

* Dennis O'Brien, Republican: No.

* Reason: "Cops and firefighters don't get Social Security."

* David Oh, Republican: Yes.

* Reason: "DROP has to be discontinued on a broad scale, based on the amount of cash it takes out of the city, and the pension fund needs the cash in it."