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CSPP
CSPP District 4 endorsement
Citizens for Sustainable Pension Plans were in a fortunate/unfortunate predicament this election cycle because more candidates than we have previously interviewed are aware of the pension issues. In all, we chose to interview the five candidates whose public comments aligned with our vision and concerns. All were impressive.
Some were more emphatic about seeking remedies than others, but all voiced the opinion that it is a problem that needs a solution in the very near future.
For me, it was particularly difficult, because three of the candidates are in the online group and I know their commitment to reform is strong. That was the downside of the process for me, personally.
The fact that the need for pension reform is finally on the front burner is the positive and fortunate aspect of this election cycle.
In the end, the decision by the core group of CSPP is based on issues surrounding pension matters, as outlined in the endorsement letter below, and a candidate is chosen by majority vote.
We carefully studied the backgrounds of each candidate to determine what they would bring to the office of supervisor. Al Dugan's years of experience in the financial field won out as the most valuable asset in coping with County issues. That strength, combined with his extensive community involvement, made him the overwhelming choice for CSPP's endorsement.
To learn more about Al Dugan, visit: http://aldugan4supervisor.org/
We have now endorsed three excellent candidates and feel strongly that, if elected, there is a wonderful opportunity for real change.
Previous CSPP endorsements are for District 2 - Kevin Haroff: http://www.kevinharoff.com/ and for District 3 - Susan Kirsch: http://www.susankirsch2016.com/
One sad bit of news to relate is that our press hero, Nels Johnson, will be retiring from the Marin Independent Journal on April 28th. For over 40 years, Nels has tirelessly covered County issues, producing clear, concise and readily understandable articles dealing with oftentimes very complex subject matters. I will miss him terribly, as I am sure you all will, too.
Regards,
Jody Morales
www.facebook.com/citizens4pensionreform
District 4 Endorsement
Citizens for Sustainable Pension Plans (CSPP) endorses candidates based solely on their opinions and plans in how best to deal with the financial issues faced by Marin County arising from public sector pension and retiree healthcare benefits’ costs.
We interviewed five of the District 4 candidates based on their awareness of the serious and growing County retiree costs, the lack of funding, and their interest in seeking solutions that make sense for both the employees and the taxpayers.
Of greatest concern to CSPP are the large unfunded liabilities, the resulting drain on the County’s budget, the inequity between those receiving the public sector retiree benefits and those paying for them and government transparency in fully disclosing all costs to taxpayers. We feel that one candidate exhibited a full understanding of these concerns.
Citizens for Sustainable Pension Plans chose Al Dugan as the strongest overall candidate for District 4 Supervisor.
Al Dugan has an extensive background in finance, a skill that we feel has been sadly lacking in recent years on the Board of Supervisors. Al has shown a deep commitment to County issues, which has earned him a sterling reputation and equips him to be an excellent supervisor.
Al was vocal in his commitment, if elected, to meet with groups such as CSPP in order to discuss and pursue all available options for more sustainable public sector retiree benefits for Marin County.
Jody Morales
Founder, Citizens for Sustainable Pension Plans