Emily files for unemployment

[mdd7000]

In today's (12/14/10) Hawaii Tribune-Herald, front page.

"Naeole said she submitted an
online application Thursday, three
days after her final meeting as
the council’s vice chairwoman."

Elected officials can collect unemployment?

[critterlover]

It's a job. With 99 weeks of benefits, which could turn into 151 weeks, it is a dependable income. The difference being, the income shifts from the County Tax Rolls to the Federal and State tax rolls.

She may have filed 4 days after the last meeting but she directed her staff to contact someone to find out what the procedure was before that meeting even began. And she did so right in the presence of the waiting public.

Toni, who is a 'critter lover'
www.write-matters.com

[JerryCarr]

When an employee is fired for cause from a job in most states, there is a period of disqualification for unemployment benefits. Are politicians exempt from this, or does Hawaii employment law even have such a component?

[Bob Orts]

Federal law classifies Elected and Appointed Officials as employees. Only a conviction of an impeachment process for elected officials; conviction of a crime associated with the office for elected or appointed officials; or the firing for cause of an appointed official, will disqualify an official from unemployment. Recall elections or being voted out at election for elected officials; not renewing or terminating a contract at will for appointed officials, are not disqualifying events under unemployment.

The former Councilmember is entitled to and can collect unemployment.

Of course, all the rules of unemployment apply including available to work, seeking work, not engaged in work, etc.

[PaulW]

Surely she won't stay unemployed for long, with all her skills and talent, though I'm at a loss to think of what they are right now.

[dmbwest]

LOL Paul,

Please excuse my ignorance .... What did she do before ????

Thanks in advance.
aloha,
pog

[Greg]

pog asks: "Please excuse my ignorance .... What did she do before ????

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Among other things, Emily worked with students at a local charter school. She also sold her crafts as a fundraiser for the students. Earlier, she was involved in protecting the Wao Kele O Puna Forest from Geothermal development (she was arrested for her convictions).

No matter what you may think of Emily, she is certainly entitled to unemployment benefits, but probably will find employment in service to the people of Puna soon.

Like her or not; Agree with her or not; It's what she does.