League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	San Diego County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Proposition G Retirement Benefits City of Carlsbad Charter Amendment - Majority Approval Required Pass: 23,998 / 64.3% Yes votes ...... 13,335 / 35.7% No votes See Also: Index of all Propositions

Arguments For Proposition G

Arguments Against Proposition G

Ten years ago, Carlsbad, along with most of the state, increased pension benefits to its employees. Due to stock market losses and increased pension benefits, the retirement plan for our safety employees is now only 65 percent funded. This budgetary shortfall has the potential to crowd out other critical public services, including parks and libraries. Over the last three years, 2007 - 2009, the City has paid over $48 million into the CaIPERS retirement program, while the employees have only paid $1.5 million into their retirement portion. This must change, because the City cannot afford this type of expense. A "yes" vote means that taxpayers - not politicians - should decide if pension benefits should be increased to secure and retain a professional work force. The current system is broken. Carlsbad has always been aggressive and at the forefront of change. We are Carlsbad - proud of our City - vote "YES" on Prop G. CLAUDE A. "BUD" LEWIS Mayor ANN J. KULCHIN Mayor Pro Tem MARK PACKARD Councilman MATT HALL Councilman Rebuttal to Arguments For The Argument that we must pass Proposition G to effect change does not hold water as the only intent is to kill the power of future Councils to reduce, freeze or increase employee benefits. Prop G does not change or lower employee pension benefits at all. Instead, it ties the hands of future Councils and passes the buck to the voters who will be forced to make those tough decisions regarding employee pensions. The current system is a good one because it allows for changes as needed. A NO vote on Prop G will enable future elected officials to do the job for which we elect them. That is to make decisions for problems that arise on their watch. Again. Prop G does not change or lower pension benefits at all. It only passes the problem on to us, the voters. We must defeat this proposition. Please join me in voting NO on Proposition G. NORINE SIGAFOOSE

Argument against the City of Carlsbad proposed Charter Amendment, Proposition G This amendment allows voters to decide whether any future increases in the public safety pension benefit formula will be subject to voter approval. The measure will require a simple majority to pass. The current bargaining process between the City and its employees allows both sides to make changes to salary and benefits when appropriate. In tough economic times, salaries and benefits are reduced to equate with changes in the private sector. Similarly, in times of growth, the City can survey its neighbors and make the necessary adjustments to guarantee it draws the best applicants. This proposition essentially creates larger government. Charter amendments such as this allow your elected officials to pass their responsibility onto others. Voting NO on Prop G will require City Council to effectively and efficiently carry out their duties as an Elected Officials and how it relates to the future of these important fiscal matters. Make sure your elected representatives deal with the financial problems that have arisen on their watch. Please Vote No on Proposition G KIM BLAYLOCK Rebuttal to Arguments Against Proposition G simply requires voter approval before the City of Carlsbad can give certain city workers retirement benefits that are even more generous than what they currently have. The opponents of Proposition G want you to put your trust in elected officials. Proposition G protects the public by eliminating the power of elected officials to increase pension benefits in exchange for contributions by special interests. Proposition G doesn't increase government. Proposition G requires the supporters of a public employee pension increase to present their case directly to the voters for approval or rejection. If the advocates of a pension increase can show that the retirement benefits currently available aren't adequate to attract or retain qualified employees, voters will approve reasonable benefit ANN J. KULCHIN City Council Member MATT HALL City Council Member MARK PACKARD CITY Council Member CLAUDE A. "BUD" LEWIS Mayor