COMPTON : Ex-Councilwoman Gets Job to Let Her Keep Insurance

Former City Councilwoman Bernice Woods, who was defeated before she had put in enough years to qualify for retirement and health benefits, has been given a part-time city job that will enable her to stay on Compton’s health insurance plan.

City Manager Howard Caldwell named Woods to a new liaison position that pays about $25,000 a year. She will represent the council at community events and help coordinate city participation in community programs. Caldwell said he hired Woods so that she and her husband would remain eligible for health insurance coverage through the city. Her husband, Melvin, has cancer.

Compton employees, including elected officials, must work five years before they are eligible for retirement and for medical benefits after retirement. Woods served one four-year term before losing in June to Yvonne Arceneaux.