Other Voices: County retiree responds to critics

Jeff Ackerman asked in his June 23 column, “how did government workers become the aristocracy?” Fact is that we haven't. There are many in the media, Legislature and business community who want to paint that picture because it plays well. I am not going to deny the reports of what is being called the $100,000 annual pension club, nor am I going to deny that there are an estimated 5,000 public employees who may qualify for an annual pension in excess of $100,000 per year. These employees by and large are at the executive level, have more than 30 years or service and have unusual qualifications. I am certain that the light of day will disclose any abuses that may have occurred. What I want is honest reporting that as of June 30, 2008, there were 476,252 retired members in the California Public Employees Retirement System... [read full story]                    

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