The Cost of Delaying Pension Reform: $50 Million a Year
Posted by Dan | Filed under Uncategorized
What could Sonoma County do with an extra $50,000,000 a year? That’s approximately the amount that would be available if pensions benefits were returned to the level they were in 2000, which would still provide more generous benefits than those enjoyed by most private sector workers. (more…)
What We Can Learn About Governance From SMART
Posted by Dan | Filed under Uncategorized
An observation of the way in which SMART was created and has since been managed holds some useful lessons about effective governance of a public agency. These lessons are quite aside from the debate of whether or not SMART will yield the transportation benefits its advocates assert will happen. (more…)
Pensions vs. Children
Posted by Dan | Filed under Uncategorized
Several recent letters and guest editorials have lamented the state of our schools and classrooms. Budget cuts and tuition increases have reduced the quality of the educational experience and placed the dream of higher education out of reach for some. The Santa Rosa Teachers’ Association organized a rally on Courthouse Square this weekend to further draw attention to the problem. There is really no dispute that our children need help. What is in dispute is the manner in which that help should occur. The writers and the union all uniformly advocate passage of one of several tax increases heading for the ballot in November. Ignored by all of these advocates, however, is any reference to the blunders that have created this sorry state of affairs. No mention is made of the diversion of moneys intended for education to fund ever increasing public employee pension obligations. Indeed it is all about the children. It is our duty to ensure future generations are afforded opportunities similar or better to those we enjoyed. Passing yet another tax increase before we address the real problem of unsustainable public pensions is a bandage measure only that compounds the mountain of debt we leave our children.
Roy Thylin
Secretary-Treasurer
Sonoma County Taxpayers’ Association
Is Pension Reform Dead?
Posted by Dan | Filed under Ballot Measures, Legislative Activity, Public Employee Pensions
Sacramento is currently consumed with taxes. There are between four and seven separate tax proposals being kicked around in the state capitol these days. The three primary proposals are Governor Jerry Brown’s sales and income tax increase, the Molly Munger/PTA proposal and the California Federation of Teachers’ “millionaire’s tax.” All three are heading for the November ballot where many project voter confusion and irritation will doom them all. (more…)
Gabe Gonzalez Honored Flournoy Recipient
Posted by Dan | Filed under Miscellaneous, Speakers
Congratulations to Rohnert Park City Manager Gabe Gonzalez, recipient of the Spencer Flournoy Good Government Award. Mr. Gonzalez was recognized for his accomplishments returning Rohnert Park from the brink of bankruptcy to financial solvency at the Associations’ annual meeting on February 16. Congratulations and good job.
Churchill on Pensions
Posted by Dan | Filed under Public Employee Pensions
Association member Ken Churchill has produced another examination of the Sonoma County pension crises. To read his report, click here.