Middlesex County Sherriff To Resign

BOSTON (AP) -- Middlesex County Sheriff James V. DiPaola says he will resign in January, two months after winning re-election, rather than take a pension in addition to his salary.

The 57-year-old DiPaola filed retirement papers in October. He was able to take advantage of state pension law that allows retirees to run for paid elective office without losing their pensions.

DiPaola, a Democrat, could have accepted an annual pension of $98,500 in addition to his sheriff's pay of $123,000 next year. He told The Boston Globe he could not in good conscience accept both, even though it's legal.

Gov. Deval Patrick, who criticized DiPaola's initial plan, now praises him for resigning.

Elected officials who collect pensions have almost always retired for some time before seeking office.

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