Aug 2, 2010 5:33 pm US/Eastern

New Billboard Causes Controversy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) 

There's a new controversy in Baltimore and you have to look towards the sky to see it.  The city's fire and police unions have put up a billboard with a heated message. 

The message of the billboard is that it's all about pensions.  It's located right across the street from police headquarters.  A lot of police officers say they were stunned to see the billboard--but also pleased.

At the base of the JFX, drivers all over the city are now greeting to a politically charged billboard.

"Oh, that's an interesting statement," said a driver.

The billboard was bought by the city's police and fire unions, outraged over recent pension reform.

"I don't know how to voice the frustration any deeper--they've just had it," said Bob Sledgeski.

Earlier this summer, the mayor and city council raised the retirement age, raised member contributions and cut cost of living raises.

"It's unfair, it's wrong, it's illegal.  And what's happening right now is you have a bunch of thieves at City Hall, period," said Bob Cherry.

The mayor responded to the billboard in a statement, defending pension reform, calling the changes "dignified," "secure" and "affordable."

One thing that's certain is that the billboard has elevated interest in this issue.

"It's a good idea.  Maybe wake people up a little bit, get them to pay attention to what's happening in the city," said one person.

"I think police and firefighters should have a little more respect for Baltimore council," said one.

But the union says it's not disrespect--it's democracy.

"That's what government is all about.  If you don't like the elected officials, you let it be known and you leave it up to the citizens to decide if they're the people you want in office," Sledgeski said.

The police and fire unions have already filed a federal lawsuit to try to overturn the pension reforms.  Additional legal action is now in the works.

City leaders say the pension reform will save taxpayers more than $400 million over the next five years.

LINK TO VIDEO

http://wjz.com/video/?id=73177