In the SDPOA’s ongoing effort to correct the May 28 San Diego City Employee Retirement System (SDCERS) Board of Trustees action to require public employees to begin contributing to their disability portion of their pension, we have followed a specific public affairs plan to address this critical issue and would like to provide an exciting update. 

We are pleased to inform you that the majority of the City Councilmembers on the Rules Committee voted in favor of clarifying the legislative intent of the Council to state that public safety should NOT contribute to the disability portion of their pension.  The 3-2 vote was broken down as follows: Hueso, Young and Gloria – YES; Frye and Faulconer – NO.  The Rules Committee directed the City Attorney’s office to work with SDCERS to create the necessary clarification in the Municipal Code that would correct the SDCERS Board of Trustees vote.  You may view yesterday’s Rules Committee meeting video at the following link: http://granicus.sandiego.gov/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=11&clip_id=4207

The SDPOA would like to acknowledge Kimberly Hale of Public Policy Strategies for her hard work as she has taken the lead on this effort and in developing the public affairs plan, which included securing meetings with every Councilmember, coordinating presentations at several SDCERS Board meetings and SDPOA participation at multiple Rules Committee meetings.  SDPOA President Brian Marvel, Vice President Jeff Jordon and Kimberly have met with the majority of City Councilmembers and/or their chiefs of staff to discuss our position and will continue to do so in the coming days.

We must also give tremendous credit to Chief Lansdowne for his impactful testimony yesterday on behalf of his officers.  He has held strong for the SDPOA and our membership.  Additionally, we would like to thank Fire Chief Javier Mainar along with IAFF Local 145 President Frank DeClerq.