I still can't get over that not only is there a presidential library visible from my house, it's the Ronald Reagan Library and not some abomination like the FDR library. Dignitaries from all over descend upon my little hometown as if it were New York or Washington, D.C., and national broadcasts originate from right here.
Recently in Simi Valley Category
Hometown pride
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If Supervisor Peter Foy had his way, voters would have to approve any pension increase for county employees. According to one union member, having a say in the out-of-control pension system is a "waste":
"The voters voted for him to make this decision, and now he's going to put it back on the voters," she said. "I think it's a waste of taxpayer money."
That sounds like something the officials of Bell would say to a proposal to let the public decide if they should get a salary increase. Does the union member think that putting that on the ballot would lose Bell money? Hardly.
A major problem of pensions is that they are constructed as defined benefit pensions rather than defined contributions. If a pension is supposed to earn 8 percent annually, for example, and the stock market tanks, the taxpayer is on the hook for that 8 percent increase.
Does that sound like your pension, oh you of the private sector? That system is bleeding our government dry of public funds.
While I'm not convinced that voters won't fall under the same union spell that's placed California on the verge of bankruptcy (e.g. fattening education workers' wallets to "help our kids"), it's a step in the right direction.
With Simi and Ventura seemingly stuck with paying partially for the retirement of the Bell officials, that experience hopefully will spur local interest in general pension reform proposals like that of Supervisor Foy's.
Former Simi police chief revealed to be among highest paid city officials in Bell investigation
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Citizens of Bell, California are outraged to learn in a Los Angeles Times expose that their city officials make up to $800,000 annually.
The city, which is about 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, is among the poorest in the state.
The city manager, Robert Rizzo, makes $787,637 and his assistant rakes in almost $400,000, to run services for the 37,000 residents of Bell. The two men's contracts call for an amazing 12 percent annual raise.
The Los Angeles District Attorney is investigating Bell for the six-figure salaries it pays to its part-time city council. [continue reading]
IngeMusings
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This blog attempts to add perspective and context to local and national politics, through a variety of disciplines, such as history, economics, and philosophy--all tempered with common sense. About the author
Eric Ingemunson's commentary has been featured on Hannity, CNN, NBC, Inside Edition, and KFI's The John and Ken Show.
Eric was born and raised in Ventura County and currently resides in Moorpark. He earned a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. As a conservative, Eric supports smaller government, less taxation, more individual freedom, the rule of law, and a strict adherence to the Constitution.
This blog attempts to add perspective and context to local and national politics, through a variety of disciplines, such as history, economics, and philosophy--all tempered with common sense. About the author
Eric Ingemunson's commentary has been featured on Hannity, CNN, NBC, Inside Edition, and KFI's The John and Ken Show.
Eric was born and raised in Ventura County and currently resides in Moorpark. He earned a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. As a conservative, Eric supports smaller government, less taxation, more individual freedom, the rule of law, and a strict adherence to the Constitution.
