Editorial: Arnold, Meg go meek about fixing retirement costs

OC Register ^ | 2/25/10 | Editorial

[NormsRevenge]

The Sacramento Bee reported distressing news that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Meg Whitman, "the leading GOP candidate to replace him," have backed away from supporting a ballot initiative to reduce government employee pension and retiree health costs. The lack of support probably means the badly needed reforms won't get on the ballot.

Both Republicans know this year's monumental $20 billion state budget deficit will pale compared to the fiscal train wreck looming from these ever-increasing, unfunded obligations. As Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach puts it, these retiree costs mean California is headed toward "economic meltdown." The annual tab statewide already is $17 billion but will only grow as costs increase, tax revenue stagnates or decrease and if stock market investments continue to tank.

Illustration by Will Alexander

"We better start talking about this," Moorlach told the investigative reporters at Calwatchdog.com. "What are we going to do when the entity (state government) above us crumbles?"

Mr. Schwarzenegger and Ms. Whitman have made considerable political hay denouncing the growing unfunded retirement promises facing governments from city halls to Sacramento. Unfortunately, political considerations may have persuaded them to back off supporting the initiative, which qualified last year to circulate petitions to place it on the ballot.

"The governor felt he'd be a hindrance to us," said a spokeswoman for initiative organizer California Foundation for Fiscal Responsibility. Political consultants suggested to the Bee that Ms. Whitman also decided against supporting the effort. The governor's office told us he "is focused on getting this reform done through the Legislature," and the Whitman campaign did not return our phone call or e-mail requests for comment.

Why the reluctance to campaign – and raise money – for a potentially popular ballot measure among Republicans? ..

[NormsRevenge]

Meek Meek Meek

[ansel12]

With Meg Whitman as Governor, what could go wrong?

video-Meg Whitman: Romney handpicked me and "I'm A Huge Fan Of Van Jones"

[utherdoul]

the solution is simple. Sell California to the Chinese let them clean up the mess.

[CPT Clay]

What about Gov Moonbeam?

[NormsRevenge]

LOL.. Moonbeam is flying below the media radar for now and happy too as he raises dough.. tho I don’t think anyone sane would want the job or mission that lies ahead.. we’ll see.