I was pleased to read in a recent article in the San Jose
Mercury News (April 30) that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was ready
to consider the Democrat’s counterproposal to pension reform. Under
the Democrat’s pension reform plan, the current system would remain
intact but they would implement cost saving measures.
Editor,
I was pleased to read in a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News (April 30) that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was ready to consider the Democrat’s counterproposal to pension reform. Under the Democrat’s pension reform plan, the current system would remain intact but they would implement cost saving measures.
One proposal would restrict what employees can claim as compensation. These perks inflate salaries and in turn are costing the taxpayer and the pension system millions more.Inflating pension benefits in this manner is wrong.
I believe that this particular proposal has created an opportunity for the Hollister School District to set an example for all school districts and other government agencies throughout the Sate of California. I urge the superintendent and the Board of Trustees to work together and consider amending the superintendent’s contract to remove the financial perks ($12,000 tax deferred annuity and $4,500 car allowance) from being considered as part of the superintendent’s compensation.
I would encourage all voters to contact their elected state representative and ask them to support legislation that would eliminate all financial perks from being claimed as compensation by employees, and any other cost saving proposals.
If our elected representatives and the governor can pass this type of legislation, I strongly believe that we will finally be on the right path toward effective and meaningful pension reform.
Aurelio Zuniga, Hollister
