Keith Simpson, 29, of Columbia, engineer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory:

My first reaction is yes, he's earned both, so he should receive both. Ecker wasn't elected as county executive on the premise he'd give up his previous pension. He has entered a new stage in his career and his pension is from his many years of service from a previous job. Thirty-eight years is a long time. It's easy to understand that some might not think it fair, but why should he be prevented from receiving what he's due?