The little rube and a Town Hall

That was an hour of my life I will never get back. I sat in amazement as the little rube twisted, spun, fabricated and exaggerated facts about city finances, retirement costs, retiree medical and more. I sat and listened to one after another voter/taxpayer rant about the excessive wages and benefits of city employees. Sitting front and center in the room was none other than Richard "Don't call me Dick" Rider. Rider had prepared a flier he set out for those in attendance to pick up and read. The heading on the flier was the name of his group, "San Diego Tax Fighters." The headline reads, "OUTRAGEOUS! We Are Still Paying 130% and Higher Pensions to Most 30 Year San Diego City Employees." The flier is full of exaggerations and miss-information and it does an excellent job of inflaming anyone who reads it.

The little rube's presentation is the same power point found on his web site "CleanUpCityHall." His script is well rehearsed and followed to a tee. He did not allow anyone to change the focus or dispute his assertions. I was chatting with a detective who had attended the meeting when I receive a message from the little rube via Twitter that read, "Explaining the City Deficit in Five Minutes" , which made me laugh out loud. OK, I understand "sound bites" but come on you little rube. It took the city years to get into this hole and for just as many years, people have been analyzing the reasons and attempting to find solutions and the little rube now tells everyone he can explain it in five minutes. Click on the link above and you tell me if he has succeeded. If not, I would suggest you call his office and tell him he failed. He suggested on more than one occasion this evening the only way to effect change and get politicians to change is to call them repeatedly until you see the change you believe should take place.

The highlight of the night was the little rube rallying the masses to his battle cry. Reforming the pension of city employees. He started by exaggerating the reality of the plan and as usual presented his information in a manner to inflame and anger. He succeeded and it was clear the mood in the room was to remove and cut whatever they could. Then the little rube went one step too far. As he explained his relationship with Donna Frye he said there was not one plan that would fit all when making cuts. "The cuts we need to make are not a one size fits all. The cuts we need to make to the person who retired in 1996 are not the same as those that need to be made to someone who retired recently." Did you all catch that? He indicated in this little diatribe he is looking at making a run at those who are already retired and their benefits. Now, before you all start screaming and yelling; he is a lunatic and stands about as much chance of getting at your benefits as I do making Lieutenant. So you can all relax but you need to be aware of his mentality and thought processes. He is clearly delusional and not well versed in the reality of what a vested benefit is.

What I found more concerning was his repeated comments of taking to the voters a referendum seeking changes he believes need to be made to eliminate city employee's "Lavish Retirement Benefits." He was as usual extremely vague as to what these changes are. He was very clear though he views the voters to be the solution to making the changes necessary to eliminate these lavish benefits.

The one hour presentation was broadcast on CityTV and will soon be in the archive and available to view. It is something everyone needs to view. His town hall meetings are going to be held city wide. The little rube does not see his area of influence as being only District Five. He sees his influence to be city wide and he has made plans to go into every district with his message to garner as much support as he can to pull off his agenda and make San Diego a national model of reform and how to reduce and eliminate retirement benefits. Constant vigilance on our parts is going to be required to ensure current and past benefits are preserved and the benefits of new hires are sufficient.

Who is paying attention?

Morbid Curiosity

Maybe not the best heading but it does fit my thoughts right now. I was perusing magazines at Borders last night checking out the latest Outside, Hot Rod, Backpacker and Maxim magazine when I saw the cover of Time. "Why It's Time to Retire the 401K (And what you can do instead)" was gracing the cover of the magazine. It caught my eye so I grabbed it and found a spot to sit down so I could read what this latest revelation was all about. I have argued against 401K Defined Contribution retirement plans as the replacement for the Defined Benefit plan for many reasons over the years. So my morbid curiosity was elevated as I began to read the analysis of this popular retirement plan.

In 2006 I attended a conference at Harvard regarding the status of municipal retirement plans and the attempts across the nation to eliminate the defined benefit retirement plans for the less costly and less beneficial 401K defined contribution. Several states, cities and counties across the nation had made the change and were re-thinking the changes. What they initially thought would save them money, had now begun to exponentially cost more than the original defined benefit plan. The initial savings was negated when the payment owed by the entity grew as fewer participants were left in the plan. Similar to what is occurring in San Diego today. While there will be an initial savings, as those remaining in the SDCERS Retirement system dwindle, the City will be required to make up the difference and their payment will begin to grow, negating the savings.

The Time's article highlighted Occidental Petroleum Corporation who in the 1970's raided their employee's retirement fund. At the time, laws did not prevent employers from doing this as long as they closed the find and started over. Occidental Petroleum closed the original employee retirement fund and opened the 401K program. Over the years employees saved money in hopes of having sufficient funds to outlive their savings. The 401K plans proved to be less successful and have not provided sufficient moneys for people to live in their retirement years.

The tough times in the stock market have left most people with 401K retirement funds worse off than just 10 years ago. In 1983, sixty percent of workers in America participated in defined benefit retirement plans with less than fifteen percent of Americans participating in 401K type deferred contribution plans. 401K retirement plans were never meant to be the only vehicle for retirement. When Congress started the 401K plans it was done to close a loop hole for executives who received bonuses and to be a perk for these same highly paid executives. In 2007, the numbers reversed; sixty-three percent of retirement plans were in the form of 401K style defined contributions and seventeen percent were defined benefit plans.

The average 401K plan today has less than $46,000. That is not enough money for retirement, no matter what part of the country you live in. To make it worse, 46% of all 401K plans have less than $10,000. "The time may have come to consider returning 401K plans to their original position as a third tier of retirement planning, behind pensions and Social Security" says Alicia Munnell, who heads the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. "They should not be the thing we rely on for retirement security." Last summer the Government Accountability Office concluded, "If no action is taken, a considerable number of Americans face the prospect of a reduced standard of living in retirement."

Where my morbid curiosity kicks in; what is in the mind of the mayor? Does he just not care about the people who work for this city? Why would he strip away benefits for retirement and force upon workers a plan that will leave them destitute when they reach retirement age? From the beginning the mayor has openly said our benefits were not excessive but not politically sustainable. So, for political expediency, the mayor has destroyed the lives of countless individuals who dedicated themselves to serving the citizens of San Diego. Every cut, reduction and elimination to wages and benefits at the hands of the mayor, the city has gained virtually nothing. The budget deficits continue to grow and the mayor's only answer is more cuts. He has continued to blame the employees and their retirement benefits and now the "Recession" is at fault.

What is to come next? On Monday, the City Council bought hook line nad sinker the mayor's plan to begin the process to build a new city hall. The wages and benefits of employees are not politically sustainable, but building a new city hall to the tune of $432 million dollars while facing a $200 million dollar budget deficit is. Add to this the mayor's championing of the one billion dollar expansion to the Convention Center and the $250 million dollar downtown library he want to build. Call me crazy but this is lunacy. We were once referred to as "Enron by the Sea." It appears this label was justified. The idiocy of the elected officials in this town is pathetic. The mayor will cut wages, lay off workers, eliminate retirement benefits, demand furloughs, and at the same time make plans to spend two billion dollars without batting an eye. This all while making plans to again cut wages, lay off workers, eliminate benefits and cut services in an attempt to cut the projected $200 million dollar deficit.

My morbid curiosity wonders when it will all end.

Tongue in Cheek Folks

My last post, "The little rube for mayor" was tongue in cheek and designed to get people thinking, talking and acting to ensure this self serving politician is identified for who and what he is. If you have not had a chance to spend some time reading his web site, "Clean Up City Hall" it is a must read. This egotistical, self inflated; snake oil salesman is the biggest threat to city employees, retirees and workers that has ever come to town. You thought Mike Aguirre, Pat Shey, Gerry Sanders, Richard Rider or Steve Francis were dangerous? None of them hold a candle to this lunatic.

To begin to understand his agenda, mission or goals you need to take a look at the white paper, "Target San Diego" which talks about the agenda of the right leaning Republicans and the groups spearheading this fight. CPI or Center on Policy Initiatives in San Diego commissioned this paper which was written by Lee Cokorinos in November 2005. This document is seventy-nine (79) pages in length and provides an inside view of the little rube and the mayor's mind and why they have done many of the things they have to labor and specifically the SDPOA since elected. It gives a clear roadmap of the little rube's agenda and what his goals and aspirations are. If you focus your attention starting on page 25, with the "Americans for Tax Reform and the Project for California's Future" you will begin to understand the reasons the mayor has steadfastly refused to acknowledge the need for increased revenues and additional or increased taxes of any kind and the little rube's fixation with outsourcing. I would strongly urge you to read the ENTIRE document closely.

At the bottom of page 27, you will find the little rube's philosophy for change; "Your primary mission is not to educate, but to persuade." To educate you must be specific; articulate; provide consistent and honest information. To persuade you simply have to sound specific; sound articulate and appear to be providing consistent and honest information. The little rube is a master of the spin machine; fabricating numbers to suit his agenda; and providing a portion of the truth making it difficult to debate his position.

On page 33, the "Reason Foundation" a center-right foundation is explained. To understand the government reforms and privatization the little rube presses for so hard, reading the information here along with the various magazines highlighted (Reason; The Economist; The Nation; The American Enterprise; and Privatization Watch). In the last sentence on page 35, the little rube appears. But on page 39, "The Performance Institute and the Assault on San Diego" starts with a statement by the little rube; "If we can show reform in San Diego, it becomes a model nationwide." On page 43 the real "Little Rube" comes to life when he hits town. Since his arrival, he has begun a systematic program to implement his agenda and build his credentials for his movement to the next level of government office. The little rube is clearly positioning himself for a run for mayor in 2012.

Our task is to shadow his every move and counter his lies, spin and half truths. To accomplish this we need to have real numbers in hand, educate ourselves so we can educate the naïve taxpayer/voter. The little rube is going to attempt to persuade these naïve taxpayers/voters, knowing they are angered by the downturn in the economy, the loss of their retirement savings, medical insurance and in many cases their jobs (his spin and exaggerated numbers and the UT have fueled this anger). He will play on this anger to persuade them to go along with his cuts, modifications and eliminations of wages, benefits and in many cases jobs. We must educate these same people with factual data and show what the little rube's agenda will do to this city.

We cannot sit back and grimace at his comments; yell at the TV; curse the paper; or allow him to put forth initiatives for changes to the Charter without countering his every word. We need to be pro-active and get in front of his campaign to persuade by educating the public. We must be attentive to his words, actions and agenda. We can use his own words and actions against him. He is playing a game of politics and following an agenda that is in conflict with some of his own past words and actions. We must focus on Law Enforcement ONLY. We must focus on the wages, benefits and working conditions of the job we know. Allow Fire, MEA, 127 and the others to focus on what they do and their wages and benefits. We can only argue and defend what we know. So let us keep it simple and focus our energy on the proposed cuts to law enforcement and the reductions to our wages and benefits and what the long term costs will be.

If you did not see the October 7, 2009, City Council meeting, I would suggest you do so. It can be seen online at the City's Web site on CityTV, in the archive section. The little rube was caught in a couple of miss-truths and allowed to use a Power Point to present his view of the future deficit. This presentation will no doubt be seen on the 14^th at the little rube's town hall meeting. What is alarming about this is at the same meeting it is clear the only person on the current City Council who understands reality and has any ethics is Todd Gloria. The "Green Rock" AKA Marti Emerald, clearly is out of her league and has highlighted just how ignorant she is to the reality of politics and what is going on in the world around her. We are in trouble folks. The "Dim Bulb" AKA Sherri Lightner is just as bad as the green rock. I think if you combined their IQ's, you would not come close to reaching 100.

The little rube is holding a "Town Hall Meeting" on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 6pm at the Scripps Ranch Library. If history repeats itself, the audience will be filled with right leaning, extremely conservative types, with the idea city workers are overpaid, lazy, incompetent thieves whose wages and benefits need to be eliminated and reduced while the majority of jobs could be done cheaper and better by outside contractors. There was applause with every mention of eliminating DROP, reducing retirement benefits and reducing wages at his last town hall meeting.

We must counter his lies with facts and the truth; we must counter his spin with reality; we must be the teacher in the room, providing education to the taxpayer/voter as the little rube attempts to persuade. We have to first be in attendance. We need to visible, professional and active. Asking questions; countering lies; stopping the spinning of reality and educating as we do so. I will be there; who will join me?

The “little rube” for Mayor!!!

I was so enthralled with the little rube's "Issues in the Forecast" that I kept thinking to myself, "This guy would make a great mayor." I know what some of you are thinking, but I want you to hear me out. I think maybe I have been overly critical of the little rube and unnecessarily harsh of his methodology, views and tactics. I think I was somewhat jealous of the little rube's good looks, charisma and intelligence. I must admit I did not want to believe he could have all of the answers. I was so far off in my impression and portrayal of the little rube I think I owe you all an apology. Let me explain in more detail my thoughts.

The little rube has an appropriately titled web site, "Clean Up City Hall" with the mantra "Holding San Diego City Government Accountable." What more could any taxpayer really want in a leader? Unlike our current mayor, the little rube is paying attention to ALL aspects of San Diego. The little rube's issue forums address issues such as; budget and pension; citizen service quality; environmental protection; infrastructure; internal management; jobs and economy; libraries; open government and ethics; parks and recreation; planning and development; public safety; quality neighborhoods; stadium search; strong mayor – strong council; transportation; and water and sewer. I was embarrassed when I realized the little rube was so versed and on top of ALL of the aspects of what is wrong with San Diego.

I was aghast when the mayor announced the pending deficit of $179 million. I was not surprised in the least when the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) announced the deficit may actually be closer to $201 million. But then I read the analysis of the little rube and felt a knot in my stomach. Then I started to read the little rube's report and his "Issues in the Forecast." A $262 million deficit for 2010; followed by a $315 million deficit for 2011; as things get worse in 2012 with a $331 million deficit; in 2014 a $354 million deficit; ending with a staggering $365 million deficit in 2015. Taken cumulatively the five year deficit for the City of San Diego will be $1,627,756,710. That is ONE BILLION, SIX HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY SIX THOUSAND, and SEVEN HUNDRED TEN DOLLARS.

I have been saying for months now the mayor could not balance his personal check book so why would anyone believe he could balance the city's budget? The mayor's five year forecast projects a $796,200,000 deficit or $831,556,710 short of what the little rube has forecast. Even the IBS forecast the five year total to be $1,163,000,000 or $464,756,710 short of the projections of the little rube. The differences are staggering and worrisome. I am now starting to think maybe Pat Shay is on to something when he says Chapter 9 is the best avenue for the city. The little rube has presented a clear and convincing case that indicates the city will soon have an annual deficit that is about twenty-five percent more than that of the annual revenues for the city.

The little rube along with Donna Frey sent the mayor a letter on October 8, 2009
asking the mayor to create a "Budget Scoring Spreadsheet." Why has it taken so long for someone to demand this type of tool to analyze the city's budget? The little rube and Donna write, "In light of the dire financial situation presented by the recently released Five Year Financial Outlook, it is our intention to solve the city's budget crisis this year through comprehensive long-term reform plan, implementing structural changes to eliminate unsustainable financial practices inherent in the city's budget." I am so excited to see someone is finally taking the lead and putting into action what others simply talk about. The little rube is going to actually "solve the city's budget crisis this year." The letter continues, "The City Council needs a tool to calculate and forecast the impacts of a variety of reforms and changes in revenues and expenditures in the city's budget. As such we request that your office work with the Independent Budget Analyst to create a budget scoring spreadsheet." Now that I get what the little rube is all about, I love this guy. He really wants to make things better and clearly he believes he can fix this mess without Chapter 9. I know many of you are worried about that and the possibility of losing everything.

Donna Frey and the little rube continue; In addition, we ask that your office score - either from the pension system or from an independent actuary – the financial savings that could be achieved if the city were to change pension benefits in the following manner:

• Suspending the Cost of Living Adjustment on future pension benefits until such time that the system is fully funded
  
• Achieving "budget neutrality" for the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP)
  
• Eliminating the Preservation of Benefits provision
  
• "Unwiding" of Retroactive Benefits Increases

Do you all see why I have changed my mind and come around to support the little rube? Do you all see what I am seeing in that the little rube cares about us and wants to make things better? I know sometimes it does not appear that way, but I have had to distance myself from it all to really appreciate and see how much he cares. He is actually demanding from the mayor, he and his office actually do something. The mayor will no doubt fight the request of Donna and the little rube. He would not want the little rube to show him up or point out more incompetence. Strong mayor will defeat the strong council every time.

Page two of the letter discussed the "Legal Analysis and Negotiations on Reforming Pension Benefits." The little rube and Donna write, "The cost of city pensions continues to be a specificant driver of the city's budget deficit. We are concerned that the existing level of pension benefits in not sustainable.

In evaluating how to reform existing pension benefits, we request that the City Attorney provide an assessement of what specific component of benefits are vested, which benefits might not be vested, and how benefits could be changed through amendments to the Municipal Code, benefit adjustments made independently by the board of the pension system, benefit concessions negotiated through Collective Bargaining, etc."

Additionally, we request that Labor Relations prepare and present to the City Council a process for initiating negotiations with the city's labor unions on possible pension benefit reforms for existing employees who are not in the new plan.

The city's financial problems have reached a point where one-time solutions are no longer an option. These issues much be solved in a structural fashion, and we look forward to exploring some of the structural spending reforms listed above.

Before you go on, I want you to go back and re-read the last four (4) paragraphs above. I want you to see why I have changed my view of the little rube. When you finish re-reading the last four paragraphs, take a few minutes to review, "Money Matters" written by the little rube. He really gets it and understands the crisis we are all facing. His numbers are startling and would persuade the most skeptical of taxpayer to join in the reforms and changes the little rube is proposing. His leadership and forward thinking is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of his colleagues on the city council and that of the mayor. It is time to seek the mayor's removal and elect the little rube, it cannot get any worse.

The little rube is going to take his message to the streets with a first of several "Town Hall" meetings on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. The meeting will take place at the Scripps Ranch Library. The purpose of the "Town Hall" meetings is to persuade taxpayers to join his fight to clean up city hall. The little rube is using his extensive knowledge of government, contracts, financing and reform to persuade taxpayers to demand change.

I would encourage all of you to attend this first of several meetings and get on board with these changes. The only way to educate taxpayers is to help the little rube as he persuades them. You see, the game plan of the little rube is to "persuade" not "educate" taxpayers. The ability to persuade is made easier by inflating facts and spinning information. When participating in the art of persuasion it is acceptable to generalize and avoid specifics. The average taxpayer is just confused when presented with facts because true politicians never deal in facts. These facts confuse taxpayers/voters and it is preferred to persuade them by first identifying selected individuals in each community who will support and add validity to the politician who is persuading the taxpayer/voter to a position. Then the politician (little rube) points to them for validation and conformation of the miss-information being used to persuade.

So I beg you all to join me on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 1800 hours at the Scripps Ranch Library, to lend a hand to the little rube and educate these taxpayer/voters. You can also see what I have seen and understand why I am such a strong supporter of the little rube and his message. Left unchecked, the little rube will be able to persuade taxpayers/voters, so we need to assist him with the education. The little rube needs our help and as police officers we owe it to the city, taxpayers/voters to do all we can to assist with education. Who wants to join me?

How Big is the Table?

The mayor says, "Everything is on the table" when talking about the projected budget deficit for next year and how to address it. The problem is the mayor is only willing to put cuts and reductions on the table and that will do no good. The table is not big enough for all the programs, services, jobs and expenses that would need to be cut to balance the budget next year. Projections surfacing from city hall indicate across the board 24% cuts will be necessary to help close the deficit. The mayor still refuses to discuss increasing revenue by raising fees, taxes and charging for the services provided to taxpayers.

Andrea Tevlin is the only person talking about increasing revenues and at the same time acknowledging reductions and elimination of services and jobs will not be sufficient to close the deficit. The discussion regarding increasing revenues does not seem to fit on the table for the discussions taking place if the mayor is in the room. His adamant refusal to entertain discussion related to revenue increases is hypocritical. He has not had a second thought when he increased the retirement contribution of employees by refusing to honor prior commitments achieved through negotiations where the city begged employees to settle for the city picking up a percentage of the employees retirement contribution in lieu of a pay raise. He has not thought twice of making employees pay more of the premium for medical insurance, even after demanding the Unions give up control of their own medical insurances with a promise of lower premiums and additional dollars to go towards these premiums.

If the SDPD eliminates 24% of its staffing, we lose approximately 450 employees. Drastic and unrealistic; or is it? If 24% of the 2010 Fiscal budget for the police department is eliminated, we would lose approximately 105 million of a 424 million dollar budget. Drastic and unrealistic; or is it? The mayor says we are selfish, unbending, and unrealistic and think we deserve more than any of the other departments and employees in the city. Can someone answer this question; are we being unrealistic, selfish and unbending when we refuse to agree with the mayor's cuts and reductions to public safety?

The bottom line is the mayor cannot continue to cut, slash and reduce the police department any more than he already has. To do so would be patently criminal and unacceptable at any level. Selfish; maybe. Unbending; possibly. Unrealistic; absolutely! I would suggest every member of the department take stock of his or her position and responsibilities as a police officer. Do you feel adequate staffing is available during the shift you work? Do you feel you have the ability to take a day off when you feel the need due to stress or fatigue? Do you feel pressured to cut corners when doing your job so you can free yourself to be available to assist with additional calls for service; thus not doing the job you know is necessary? Do you pass up taking enforcement action due to a lack of adequate staffing and cover? Do you devote more than 75% of your duties to answering calls for service?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions, you need to have a very frank and honest discussion with your loves ones. You need to explain your fears, frustrations and the realities of your job and the lack of support you are receiving from the mayor and city. Let your family know you are working under these dangerous conditions. Share with them the numbers of officers working the shift you work and why this is dangerous and unacceptable. Who will be held accountable for your injury or death? As we move toward additional cuts to the police department, keep your family informed and document in a diary in some way the safety concerns you have and the lack of staffing you experience. We are currently working on borrowed time and face the real possibility we are going to experience the serious injury or death of an officer in the very near future. The lack of experience in patrol; coupled with the lack of adequate staffing; during this economic crisis, is a recipe for disaster. Don't allow yourself to be that officer. Protect yourself and your family and at all cost; do what you know is right and safe.

The table is not big enough for what needs to be done and the mayor has chosen to stick with a café table for laying out his options. Until he sits at conference table large enough to accommodate intelligent, resourceful, risk taking individuals; we will continue to spiral toward the abyss. The mayor is attempting to cure the deficit the same way a plastic surgeon goes about performing liposuction on an obese person. He can suck all the fat he likes from the person. Take too much and shock will kill them. Take a little here and a little there year after year and you simply make them appear slimmer in clothes but in reality they are still the same obese person. Until you alter the eating habits of the person and implement structural changes to their life by adding exercise and diet as well as psychological counseling, you have not properly addressed the problem.

If you have not seen today's Dilbert Cartoon by Scott Adams, you need to look it up. I have it linked in my Facebook. It is the mayor through and through.

Relationships and the mayor

OK let me first give this disclaimer; I don't subscribe to the Union Tribune. I do not have a bird or cat for which I would need this rag to line the respective bottoms of the cage or litter box. So I missed the conversation the mayor had with the editorial board as published in Sunday's edition. I was alerted to the comments of the mayor yesterday and read on-line with interest, his perception of the relationship he has with the SDPOA. I touched on my perception of his relationship with police officers in a prior post, but now I want to take a few minutes and touch on HIS perception. Remembering, a man's perception is his reality.

I found his comments to be completely self-serving and very delusional. What planet is this guy living on? The mayor was asked, "What is your relationship with the police union right now, after the 6 percent cuts that were imposed on them last year?" I laughed as I read his reply. "Well I don't think my picture is up in their office anymore." Someone needs to clue this pompous, arrogant, ego inflated person his picture NEVER WAS on the wall in any office at the SDPOA. He was a pathetic chief and has been an even worse mayor. The only purpose to have a photograph of him on the wall at the SDPOA would be for sport. But what is telling about his first comment is he attempts to make light of this relationship.

The mayor continues, "You know, I've always have a good relationship with the POA." I laughed again as I continued reading his attempt at answering this question. Please tell me WHEN this mayor had a "good relationship with the POA." I am all ears mayor. You are kidding right? I understand your attempt at being political but for Christ's sake, could you just this one time be honest? YOU HAVE A COMPLETELY PATHETIC, CAUSTIC, DEEPLY DIVIDED, ARROGANT relationship that LACKS TRUST, HONESTY, ETHICS AND COMMUNICATION. You have failed in every manner in every context from the day you announced your run for mayor.

He continues, "I still respect them tremendously." OK, somebody help me out here. He still respects us tremendously. In spite of; help me here; anybody? We refused to drink his cool-aid but he still respects us? We refused to bargain away vested benefits, for lesser, more expensive ones, but he still respects us? We refused to accept three out of four contracts when the bargaining did not even come close to being conducted in good faith and then forced upon us, but he still respects us? But, he still respects us tremendously? Clearly he does not think before he responds to questions.

Now it gets interesting and I will attempt to choose my words carefully but will call it as I see it. To my firemen friends; I respect the job you do and the challenges you have faced and the decisions you have made. Having said that; we can agree to disagree with each other as it relates to accepting or not, the screwing at the hands of the mayor over the past several years. While our needs are different and our views of what is important is somewhat different; I believe the differences in our contracts provided firefighters the ability to lessen the pain and allowed for them to agree to accept the cuts demanded by the mayor over the years. I do see this coming to an end in the coming months and they will understand our plight from a personal standpoint when that occurs.

The mayor finishes his answer with the following; "But I think the association has to be more realistic. If the entire city is suffering, you can't say, 'But we're the police, we deserve everything.' We didn't see the firefighters doing that. They joined us. We were happy they were a partner in this; they didn't want the pay cut anymore than the police officers did. But they saw the way the city was going and they understood." So we need to be more realistic? In what way mayor? We need to understand it is customary for a past chief of police to screw his old department and be realistic that is just the way it is suppose to be? We are supposed to be more realistic about our expectations of honest and ethical behavior from our mayor? What in the hell are you trying to say here mayor?

Where in the hell did you come up with this one; "But we're the police, we deserve everything?" If memory serves me, when I was on the SDPOA Board, we offered more than was asked for and were turned down because in the words of the city's labor negotiator/lawyer; "The city council does not have the ability to understand what you are trying to do. This has become political and they do not want to accept your offer." To follow up on this thought, if my information is correct, the current SDPOA Board offered MORE than the mayor was seeking and were turned down because it was not what the mayor wanted and in the manner he wanted it. Here again the mayor attempts to make the members of the SDPOA out to be greedy, demanding thugs who only care about themselves. He again fails to be truthful and again uses the press to keep the public's opinion negative toward police officers and the association.

Then the mayor goes into his false praise and platitudes toward firefighters. "They joined us." "We were happy they were a partner in this; they didn't want the pay cut anymore than the officers did." Let's be clear of the truth here. Firefighter's crafted a deal that best suited their members. They did so because their contract allows for virtually unlimited overtime and the ability to make the money back that was taken. Firefighters by and large all have second jobs that in many cases pay them more than their firefighting job. The joke in many circles is firefighting is their part time job that allows them to have higher paying real jobs. Police officers on the other hand have a very difficult time taking on a second job, especially if working patrol. The rotating shifts, extended shifts and court do not allow for part time jobs in most instances. The availability of overtime is limited to special events (Padre, Charger, SDSU Football and the assortment of other civic events held every so often in the city) and if an officer is lucky he or she may get 3 or 4 events a year. This does not even scratch the surface of the cuts forced upon police officers in the last contract.

The bottom line is the mayor is delusional if he thinks for a second he has ANY type of relationship with police officers or our association. He lacks credibility and he has proven to be unethical as well as vindictive; a terrible combination for a politician who holds the cards. As a strong mayor he is a complete and utter failure. He is a bully and a liar. He will spin, fabricate, diminish, and exaggerate information to suit his needs. His people will intentionally put out miss information and exaggerations to bolster a point by the mayor and when called on the inaccurate information will simply say the exaggeration was to help with "context."

The mayor jokes about his not being welcome among the ranks of police officers. He then, as above, lays blame for this poor relationship at our feet. The truth is the mayor knows we know. We know who he is; we know what he is; we know all his dirty little secrets; and the fact he is unethical and vindictive and has lied so much he is no longer capable of identifying the truth. Because of this, the mayor knows we know and he is uncomfortable placing himself in our presence. He is uncomfortable among us because he cannot stand before us knowing we know. He cannot justify his actions toward us. He cannot justify nor back up his lies to and about us. He cannot walk among us, as he is no longer one of us. He has betrayed the honor of the badge and is no longer worthy of having one. He knows this and he knows we know.

The mayor also addressed the low numbers of police officers who are employed by the city. The question, "The police union is talking publicly about the low ratio of officers to the city's population. How does San Diego have one of the lowest big-city crime rates with one of the lowest ratios?" I wanted to puke reading the garbage he spews on this one. "This goes back quite a ways, before I was chief." Yes it does and when you were chief you demand on may occasion moving to a 2 per 1,000 ratio as being optimum and necessary to combat crime in a safe manner. "We have always had the lowest ratio for a major city. But we have an understanding that it's not the number of cops you put on the street, it's what those cops do when they're on the street." We have an understanding that it's not the number of cops you put on the street, it's what those cops do when they're on the street. Who is this "We" you are talking about? In a short period of time, while trying to increase the numbers of officers after the exodus of officers in the late 70's, San Diego lost more officers killed in the line of duty than any other city in the nation. We are headed there again and this is acceptable? "When they are tied to community groups and the neighborhoods, and they work with them, you're always going to get a better result." This has nothing to do with having adequate numbers of officers to safely police a city the size of San Diego. Who will be the next officer killed in the line of duty because there was no one to cover or assist when the call is made? Who will be the officer killed in the line of duty because he or she was so tired from a lack of ability to take a day off due to staffing? Who will be the officer killed in the line of duty because the mayor repeatedly cut wages, benefits and the number of officers and the lack of experience resulted in a critical mistake at an incident? "You can look across the country and you will find the police departments that have huge ratios of police officers. You go to Detroit, they probably have five or six officers per thousand people, and we have 1.6." He we go again with the spinning of reality and the truth. We may have 1.6 per thousand if fully staffed as 2,178 officers. At the current number of sworn police officers working for the San Diego Police Department we do not make it to ONE (1) per thousand. "Right now, in times that are tough, we just put a hard freeze on all employees being hired, including police officers. We've seen the Police Officers Association put out a statement saying people's safety is going to be jeopardized, and all of that. I don't believe that." Easy for you to say mayor. You are not out working the street, trying to manage the calls for service and crime that is occurring in the streets of San Diego. You are not working grave-yards in Mid-City Division with eight (8) officers or Northeastern Division with four (4) officers. You are not the one responding to a Domestic Violence call where multiple callers are reporting a fight, ALONE at three in the morning and the nearest cover unit is twenty minutes away from another division. This police department is grossly understaffed and the lack of staffing is unsafe for officers as well as citizens.

The irony of all this is the mayor so proudly signed a letter of intent to train police officers from Mexico at our police academy. The comment was made there would be no officers pulled from the field to do this training, as we already have trainers at the academy who will conduct the training. This is true; plus, since we are in a hiring freeze and we are not training police officers for the citizens of San Diego, we might as well train officers from Mexico. What I find pathetic about this endeavor is there is nothing concrete as to what the program will cost, who is paying for it, how many dedicated officers there would be conducting this training or what the training would even entail. Simply amazing; only in San Diego can this happen.

The mayor is setting the stage for next year's negotiations with his revised 5 year forecast. His stated intention is further cuts and reductions. He has stated publicly there will be deep cuts to staffing and services. He has not mentioned cuts to wages because he is saving that for negotiations. His plan of attack will be to again make police officers out to be the bad guys, greedy and demanding and unwilling to sacrifice. He will recommend upwards of 150 layoffs of police officers. You know, all those "Enthusiastic" new officers. He will then offer that if officers accept a 4% pay cut, the jobs will be saved. It is going on all around the country right now. This mayor will simply copy and paste the page from that play book and again stick it in our bum. His only way of dealing with the deficit is to cut. He knows no other way.

The mayor will then take his shot at firefighters. The part of their contract that guarantees them overtime is the clause in the contract requiring four (4) people to actively man a truck. If that is removed and the department moves to three (3) per truck, the overtime is gone and firefighters are not only now losing a precious income but they gave up ALL of their holidays as a cost savings during their last contract and will be much further behind us at that point. This will devastate the fire department and will set them back 25 years. That group the mayor so proudly points to as "team players, who get it," will now be the ones standing ready to set a back fire in hope the wind will change and burn his house down.

The rest of the interview has the mayor pimping the expansion of the Convention Center and the Chargers. He just does not get it. Three more years of hell at the hands of this politician. The damage will continue and the hole deeper before he walks away. Who will be left and whose name will be etched on the Memorial in front of Headquarters?

$179 Million Dollar Tsunami

If you have yet to take a few minutes and read the newly released five year forecast from the mayor's office, you need to. After you have digested this you might want to do a comparison of the differences from the five year forecast just last year. The assumptions from year to year are frightening. If you read closely the changes in assumptions, it appears the forecasts are made in a high school economics class and the numbers and assumptions were pulled from thin air. To add insult to injury and to highlight my point, the numbers being thrown around by the mayor of the upcoming deficits for other California cities are not even close to being accurate. When the numbers were questioned, Rachel Liang, one of the mouth pieces for the mayor throws herself on the sword.

When questioned about the numbers by the Voice of San Diego, Laing said she was responsible for the numbers and would look into them being incorrect. Regardless, she said, the numbers still make her point: that the national economy is affecting budgets throughout California. Laing said, "The point is I was trying to give context to our budget problem. San Diego has obviously had huge financial problems in the past. I was trying to make clear that this problem is not exclusive to San Diego now. That's a fact the public needs to know." So if I understand her logic, it's OK to fabricate, exaggerate, and miss-state the accuracy of something to help give "context" to whatever? Just more obfuscation from the mayor's office and no one seems to care.

On October 2, 2009, IBA, Andrea Tevlin and her staff conducted a review of the mayor's latest (revised) five year forecast. While they agree in principle with the forecast, they take exception to some of the numbers (go figure) and paint a more realistic view of where the city is. Tevlin hits the nail on the head when she says the forecast from the mayor and his staff, continue to fall short on solutions. The solutions she is referring to are increases in revenue. Tevlin also points out the short sighted and ill-conceived assumption indicating no wage increases for the next five years.

"No New Revenue Increases" is the mantra from the mayor. The mayor's failed policies of slashing, cutting and deferring, has lead the City to more of the same in perpetuity. No matter what the economy does, the City will have a huge deficit each and every year BECAUSE of the mayor's short sighted, ignorant and very political policies. As articulated by COO Jay Goldstone, when asked about future cuts and the structural problems with the mayor's budget; "What areas to cut and how much will be debated in the upcoming budget discussions." Cuts, cuts, cuts; it's all they know how to do. It is the easy way out for someone who himself is struggling with putting a daughter through college without his police pension and FULL salary and still can't figure it out.

We have endured five straight years of cuts to every area of service this city has to offer. Year after year since the mayor took over he has cut, reduced and eliminated programs, employees, wages, benefits; yet what has he accomplished? The real answer is nothing. We face the largest deficit in history and we are in worse shape today than we were when he took office. He will blame the economy for his failures. He will blame the state government for his incompetence. He will blame the employees for the benefits offered and provided by prior administrations. He will blame the unions for refusing to drink his Kool-Aid; and accepting the unreasonable reductions and elimination of wages and benefits without proper meet and confer; and honest and fair negotiations. He will fail to accept responsibility for his failures and acknowledge his culpability for the current deficit amount.

The mayor will continue to dig a deeper hole for the next three years until he falls off his high horse and either knocks some sense into his thick head or he is rendered unfit or unable to perform and someone with the testicular fortitude to do what is necessary and seek sustained and significant revenue increases takes over. His mantra of blame has grown old and accomplishes nothing. It is time to move over mayor and let someone who is willing to embrace reality and stop playing a game of politics and do the job necessary to right this sinking ship.

Pathetic Excuse mayor

Many of you may have heard the mayor was noticeably absent at the May 6, 2009, San Diego County, Police Officer Memorial. This year's memorial was also a dedication of the new memorial located at the County Building on Pacific Coast Highway. When the mayor failed to attend the memorial, the SDPOA first called the mayor's office to seek an explanation for his absence. It is believed the mayor, prior police officer and chief of the San Diego Police Department, should have been in attendance to show reverence to those who have given their lives serving the citizens of San Diego. Darren Pudgil, the mayor's press secretary said the mayor was fulfilling a prior commitment and was "giving an important speech at San Diego State University." Giving the benefit of doubt for a minute, who the hell is keeping the mayor's calendar that he would be scheduled for a speech on this date? The mayor knows when the Police Memorial is held EVERY YEAR and if it is not on his calendar he a clearly not doing his job nor paying attention.

The SDPOA accepted the explanation (I prefer to call it an EXCUSE) and while angered and disappointed, the SDPOA moved on. Then several months later it came to light the mayor was actually at the Yacht Club talking to the "SAE alumni association" which is comprised of mostly SDSU alumni; NOT giving an "important speech at San Diego State University." When this information came to light the SDPOA sent a letter to the mayor seeking an explanation. On July 15, 2009, SDPOA President Brian Marvel wrote to the mayor. Brian stated the purpose of the letter was to express the membership's disappointment with the mayor's decision to skip the San Diego Law Enforcement Memorial on May 6, 2009, so he could attend a gathering at the San Diego Yacht Club.

Brian outlined the conversation with Pudgil and the made the following comment; "Although, we would have considered the Memorial a much more important event, we understood that a speaking commitment to the Student Body at SDSU was also important." Brian, being politically correct and giving the benefit of doubt on May 6^th to the mayor is now calling bullshit. The next line of the letter to the mayor is very pointed and direct; "However, as we now know, that was not true." Brian goes on; "Mr. Pudgil purposely misled us because a luncheon commitment at the Yacht Club might not be viewed as important." So much for a mayor's office that is transparent, honest and forthright. Transparent in that it is clear the mayor does not give a damn about the police officers who serve this city. Transparent in that the mayor and his staff will lie, deceive and spin the facts at will to accomplish whatever it is they see fit to do.

Where this gets even more telling is the fact the mayor left the luncheon early enough to have attended the Memorial and still chose not to. Brian writes; "Moreover, we are given to understand you left the yacht club luncheon early and could have attended the Memorial." Brian is very clear as he addresses in a professional and yet stern manner what has been learned; for the membership who has grown weary of the treatment at the hands of this mayor. Brian closes with the following two paragraphs;

"As our mayor, and former police chief, we would expect a much greater reverence from you to the thirty (30) San Diego police officers who have died protecting the citizens of San Diego. Twelve (12) of those officers died during your tenure with the San Diego Police Department. The names of those thirty (30) officers are now etched on the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall that was unveiled during this ceremony."

"As an Association that represents over 1,800 San Diego Police Officers, we are saddened and disappointed by your decision not to attend and recognize those officers that made the ultimate sacrifice to this city. In addition, as a POA Board, we find the conduct of your press secretary reprehensible; considering he is supposed to be working for an administration that purports to be transparent and ethical."

The mayor willingly and intentionally disrespected EVERY POLICE OFFICER of the San Diego Police Department by his actions on May 6, 2009. He followed this disrespect up with dishonesty, deceit and a blatant disregard for those who gave the ultimate price in their service to the citizens of San Diego. The pattern of this conduct started BEFORE ONE SINGLE VOTE WAS CAST for his first election to the mayor's office. The mayor waltzes into the SDPOA Hall for a forum of candidates for mayor and starts his presentation with; "I did not come here seek your endorsement, I do not want it." He spends the rest of his time telling everyone in attendance what he plans for the future. He ends his presentation with accusations that one of the individuals present leaked to the press his personnel package containing his discipline while he was a police officer. To refresh those who may not know; the mayor was a heavy drinker and after a drinking binge, headed off in his car; leading CHP on a pursuit ending at the check-point on Interstate 5 and him receiving a few days on the beach for his actions. A member of the press, who was following the campaign, did his due diligence (someone explain this term to the mayor) and reviewed the law suits the mayor filed to get promoted (NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE) and located this information. The mayor, in his usual style accused a member of the Association for leaking the files with no basis in fact or knowledge of how or who obtained the information.

This was a clear sign of things to come. What is telling of late, is that the mayor, at virtually every event, will make a back handed comment about police officers, the police officer's association or department and his not being welcome and not feeling comfortable or welcome among police officers. He makes jokes about this and plays it as if we are the ones who are wrong, bad, hostile, arrogant, caustic, and failing to understand what he is doing is necessary and proper and needed to meet his goals. He lays blame at the feet of the association, the members and the department for the city's failure to balance its budget and the perceived excessive benefits earned by workers. He continues to perpetuate the blatant lies and misrepresentations of the benefits and wages received by police officers in this city. He continues to spin crime statistics and the level of protection available to this city.

His off handed quips at the police officers expense is born from his lack of integrity; his total lack honesty; his many ethical lapses; his complete disregard for the truth and the treatment of officers during negotiations. He knows his actions, words and deeds are wrong and he is unable to justify them to even those who once called him "friend." He cannot look a single police officer in the face and justify his actions or words. He cannot stand in the presence of those who wear the badge that symbolizes honesty, integrity, respect and honor because he lacks these characteristics and as the saying goes; "The emperor has no clothes" which could not be more accurate as it relates to the mayor of San Diego. The mayor's avoidance of events where police officers are present is of his making and it is a result of his lies, deceit and lack of honor, integrity and respect. These are his doings and his reward for being who and what he is.

The mayor responded on September 10, 2009, to Brian Marvel's letter (sent on July 15, 2009). Nothing like a timely response from the mayor. The mayor simply said he committed several weeks prior to receiving his invitation to the Memorial to speak to the SAE alumni association and "would have certainly appreciated the opportunity" to attend the Memorial but "Unfortunately, this prior obligation prevented me from attending this year." Again, it is about priorities and the mayor's complete lack of respect for the men and women who provide law enforcement protection to the citizens of San Diego. Why ANYONE would make excuses or attempt to explain the actions of the mayor is beyond me. To even attempt to justify or explain an action from this politician is pathetic and laughable. His excuses for actions are pathetic and laughable if they were not creating such a serious and potential deadly consequence.

Home Again, Home Again; Jiggidy Jog

After a week in the Sierra's and another week in Hawaii, I am back home and trying to get my head around going back to work next Monday. The time in the eastern Sierra's was extremely relaxing and a great start in my desire to decompress from the stresses of life. The week in the mountains was followed by a week on the North Shore of Oahu, celebrating 30 years of marriage. I have always resisted going to Hawaii, using the argument; I live in San Diego and if I want to go to the beach I can head off to La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas or any of the other local sandy stretches of sand along the California coast. How wrong could one be?

I made a promise to my wife the computer would be left at home and I turned my Blackberry off. I forwarded my cell phone to her cell phone just in case. I was never so relaxed in my life. I had completely forgotten what it was like to relax, not worry about work, politics or the game of life. I read a couple of books, enjoyed taking naps, exploring the island, watching the sunset, snorkeling and basically reintroducing myself to my wife of 30 years. Our entire trip was worry free, stress free and extremely relaxing.

I'm back and after checking my e-mail I have some very good material for my next few BLOG posts. Tonight I am off to watch the Padres force the Dodgers to wait another day before they can say they are Western Division Champs. Hope to watch Heath strike out the side again tonight to close his 42^nd game. Tomorrow I have some reading to do to catch up on the goings on in San Diego (I did see the hiring freeze) and what the mayor has been up to while I was relaxing on the sand in Hawaii. I am going to rant about a past snubbing at the hands of the mayor that people need to know about. Then I have some ideas for the future.

So, until tomorrow; I'm back and ready to rant but need one more day to put the letters of the alphabet in the proper "qwerty" alignment within my brain. Hope all is well with all of you and check back tomorrow for my first true post of many to come.

I Should Getaway More Often

I left San Diego for a long overdue getaway at just the right time. Around nine in the morning on Thursday last week, I headed for the Eastern Sierras. I decided it was time to get away. My trailer hooked to the back of my truck, fishing gear stowed in the bed and off I go after a brief stop for coffee. The traffic was light and after hitting the high desert, it was time for cruise control and a relaxing jaunt through the Mojave. Driving along these desolate stretches of road gives one time to think or better said, ponder life's experiences. These last few weeks have been some of the most painful and frustrating of my life. With the death of my father-in-law and everything that comes with a loved one's passing, to the frustration of being passed over for promotion and then watching the transfers and selections for special assignments; it gives the mind a playground for the cynical gymnastics of the brain. I thought I had adjusted to the snubbing and settled in to finish my last 29 months. Several events brought back to the front of this playground within my mind; pain, anger and frustration. This time away could not have come at a better space in my life.

I know some of you can relate to the experiences I am going to share. Some who know me will question if I really handled these as I am going to share, but rest assured, I did. I kicked myself after each of them for not speaking up, but have learned over the years of chewing my own shoe leather, there is nothing to be gained from a release of anger and saying what is on your mind. I so wanted to say something to each of these individuals, but didn't. I am actually proud of the fact I bit my tongue, saved the caustic comments and swore later when alone and in a place safe from any ears. I decided long ago to think before I opened my mouth as I have found over the years around here; being right means little to those with simple minds, a little power and the ability to carry out a grudge.

As I cruised along at 65 mph on the desolate two lane highway, my mind bounced from one topic to another. I thought of the upcoming POA elections and what the faces will look like in December. One new face for sure and the ever possibility of another. To be sure, MY FACE WILL NOT BE ONE OF THEM. I have no desire, at all, to enter into that arena again. Three times is enough for anyone and after the last go around I learned more about this city and department than I care to know. I thought of my father-in-laws last year and the struggles he endured after we were told he was not expected to survive another 72 hours. One year and 18 days later, his body gave out and he succumbed to old age and a myriad of diseases that would have taken a lesser man much sooner. I thought of the extra year we were given with him, the family bonding that takes places during these times and the outpouring of support from a Fire Department Family that was beyond amazing. NOTE; Police Associations can learn a lot from Fire Relief Associations and how they take care of one another.

When the drive to your destination takes seven hours, you have lots of free, uninterrupted time to think. Alone in a vehicle, simply guiding its travel, is a thoughtless proposition when cruise control keeps a steady pace and the roads are straight. I listened to an assortment of soft classical music supplied from my XM Radio and allowed the thoughts in my mind to bounce around that cynical playground. I began to look back on the past two months. A short period of time comparatively speaking that seemed to drag on and on with no end in sight. Maybe it was the thought of nearly four weeks off and two separate vacations that caused time to slow down. Maybe it was my mind beginning to dwell on issues being thrown into my playground one by one, over and over again. Whatever the reason, it is a good thing I have finally hit the road and taken a break from work.

As I drove along 395 toward my destination, I began to think of these events that have come to trouble me. I played each one over and over in my head; each after they occurred and each as I drove along desolate stretches of desert. On August 20^th as I walked through the parking structure on P-1, I was walking with my head down as I was still stinging from the pain of being passed over for promotion. I was not in the mood for pleasantries or happy talk and my way of avoiding, was to walk with my head down and pay attention to nothing but the path I was walking. I noticed a car pass and swing into a parking spot rather abruptly. The door flings open and an individual jumps out. He bounds to the rear of his car and immediately says a newly promoted lieutenant's name and then says, "You've got to be fucking kidding me." This individual repeats the name and says, "My god, what are they thinking?" I quickly said, "Don't go there; that's not fair to that person. Don't even go there." I turned back around and continued walking to my car and got in. I was so pissed at this moment in time all I really wanted to do was knock this idiot out. I was so angered by the comments made by this pathetic excuse for a person and was caught so off guard, I did not respond with the thoughts that came later. Thoughts that; "The same thing was said about you when you got promoted. They are actually still saying it." Thankfully for me and this ass clown, I just walked away and those words were spoken as I drove from headquarters, as I replayed the conversation in my head. So much for trying to put behind me, being passed over for promotion to Lieutenant.

Several days later another event took place as I was riding the elevator to the 7^th floor. I am on the third floor and the door opens. I am still walking with my head down so as to avoid conversation, when I step onto the elevator. In the elevator stands an individual who is immediately uneasy and appears to be uncomfortable with my presence. The obligatory, "Hi Steve" is spoken and I nod my head and say hello. This individual immediately looks at the floor and shifts from one foot to the next as the elevator door closed and we begin our assent to the 7^th floor. Without looking up, I can see the fidgeting and uneasiness as we ride alone to the 7^th floor. After what seemed like an eternity, we reach the 7^th floor and the door opens; without a word, the individual darts from the elevator and quickly walks toward their office. As I walked to my office I began to shake my head and the thoughts of what I should have said or wanted to say raced around in that playground of cynicism and anger within my brain. I bit my tongue and allowed the frustration to wane as I plugged my headphones into my ears and began to transcribe yet another interview. Why the uneasiness? What have I done to cause this type of reaction?

Then the third event takes place Tuesday, September 1. I walked into the cafeteria at HQ to grab lunch. I had office duty this day and getting out is almost impossible on these days. So I decided to grab a sandwich with another member of the office. We walk in the cafeteria and there is the Chief, waiting for his daily cup of soup. Many of you know the Chief to be a cheerleader and cup half full type of guy. He has always been a gregarious, friendly person when I have encountered him or when saying hello to me. Not this day. The Chief turns to see who is behind him in line and it was clearly obvious he was uncomfortable and wanted not to be where he was standing. With a quick "hello" he turned back toward the counter, leaned in with his hand out, waiting for the cup of soup to be handed to him. He could not get that soup in hand fast enough and off he went. The person standing with me looked at me with a puzzled look and said, "Was it me or you?" I laughed and said, "Maybe both of us or maybe just me, but you noticed that too?" We walked back to the office not saying anything. Lunch was odd in that neither one of us said much. We often chatted about stuff and laughed and cajoled one another, but not this day. This day was different. I think if I had been alone I would not have given this reaction much thought. But I go back to the elevator ride and the awkward feeling and now this. Why the uneasiness?

Now I am sure I am not the most popular guy on the 7^th floor these days. My blog post "The Message is Clear" no doubt has gotten some peoples dander up. Maybe not so much my words but some of the replies to the post and the anger and disdain expressed. I thought about deleting the replies to this post because of the content of a couple of them. But after conversations with several people who had read them and deciding what reason I could give for such an action, I decided to leave them. I could not logically defend removing the replies of some and not others and could not justify removing all of them, so I punted and left them all. Good or bad, it is what it is. People's frustration and anger are real and their perceptions are their realities. Who am I to judge what is right or wrong? Some have criticized the "Anonymous" posters as being gutless and refuse to acknowledge anything posted without a name. I understand the fear of using one's own name. I am a poster child for why being "Anonymous" is better if you have aspirations for promotion or transfer to a preferred assignment. The comments posted by someone who desires to be "Anonymous" should not be dismissed out of hand. All comments should be considered and at the very least bantered over a net a few times to see if there is any validity to what is said. Dismissing these comments out of hand is akin to putting your head in the sand and refusing to acknowledge just maybe there is a problem. God knows we have a few problems.

The final event that made me glad I was heading off for vacation occurred my last day at work. I was headed home and was walking toward the elevator. As I rounded the corner the elevator door was just beginning to close. An individual was on the elevator and saw me coming. He hit the button to stop the closing of the door. He stood there holding uniforms in one hand and the other pressing the open button. I step on the elevator and the door begins to close. The person looks at me with a smile and says, "How are you doing Steve?" I nod and say simply, "I'm doing fine, thank you." He follows this up with, "You doing OK?" I am struggling as the thoughts in my mind are doing gymnastics and bouncing off the wall in the large vacant space of my skull. I choose to simply say, "I'm doing well." OK, I know what you are thinking; "This person is just being a nice guy." Perception is a man's reality; I did not perceive it that way. The elevator stops at the 3rd floor and the door opens. He raises his hand to almost shoulder level, palm down; begins to thrust his hand forward palm down and lowers his hand, still palm down, as if he wishes to shake my hand. Without thinking, I instinctively reach out (keep in mind my hand must be palm up to accept his) and shake his hand. He begins to exit the elevator and says, "Take care Steve."

I can't begin to describe the feelings that went through my body at that moment. This is not the first time this type of handshake has been presented of late. I can't put to words what I was thinking at that very moment without getting myself into trouble. If I wrote what I felt or thought at the time and even now as I write this, I most assuredly would see some sort of repercussion. When did it become acceptable to put ones hand out to shake hands as if you are coming over the top? Hand thrust from the shoulder, palm down? I was taught to extend the hand straight out, thumb up and to interlock the thumbs and grasp firmly, not hard, and shake hands. This movement of coming over the top with the palm down in my opinion is an attempt to show dominance or superiority and to be on top, to in some way convey control and superiority. I find it offensive and degrading and it takes every ounce of energy not to grab a hold of a hand presented in such a fashion and twist the arm in an arc, jerk toward me and say; never mind what I would say, you get my point.

What has occurred that creates an uneasy feeling when I am present? I have pondered this for some time now. Floating on a lake in my float tube, all alone in my thoughts, I have reflected on these events. I have tried to identify the reason my presence has caused certain individuals to become so visibly uneasy that even others have taken notice. Then reality pulls the protective mat from under the bars and I hit my head on the cement. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.

I have spent the last six days enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. I have enjoyed hiking, sometimes rugged mountain trails, to breath taking views and sights. The hikes have been slow since I broke a toe a few days before heading off. I have lounged under the sun and pines and taken in the latest Patricia Cornwell book. I have floated alone in a float tube, fishing and enjoying the quiet solitude of a day on the lake all alone. I have sat by a perfect camp fire telling stories and laughing and sat alone on the shore of several lakes taking it all in and have come to this conclusion; Who cares why they are uneasy? It is THEIR issue; THEIR doing; THEIR problem. I did NOTHING to give them cause to feel uneasy; it is they, whose actions have caused them to be uneasy.

Tomorrow I am going to find another lake to launch my float tube and enjoy the day. I am going to soak up the sun and peace and tranquility of bobbing alone on a mountain lake, fishing for small trout and just take in the peace of what this part of earth has to offer. I will head home for the weekend to clean the trailer, re-pack and head then off to Hawaii. I will spend a week relaxing and taking in what that part of earth has to offer. While I am away, I may or may not write again. I posted yesterday about the mayors diatribe in front of the San Diego Taxpayers Association. If you missed his speech you should take a peek. See if you can identify a kind word for employees of the City of San Diego. Take note of his sideways promise of more cuts to wages and benefits as well as elimination of positions. Take a gander at the Voice of San Diego and their view of the speech. Then make your own conclusions at to what is in store for us next year.

Enjoy family, friends and loved ones; cherish every moment you have with them; it could be your last. Live life for today and make every moment a memory you want to share with the world.

Is the Mayor Serious?

I may be in the mountains of the Eastern Sierras, enjoying some solitude, thought, relaxing walks and naps and a bit of fishing; but I am not completely out of touch and not paying attention. I have enjoyed many hikes, hours of floating on various lakes in my float tube fishing and hanging around my camp site, reading and enjoying the great outdoors. My failure is my refusal to leave my Blackberry at home or at the very least turned off and in the glove box. I get continuous updates from various mediums as to the goings on in San Diego. The one that caught my attention and caused me to drive into town and find an internet connection was the mayor's speech today before the San Diego County Taxpayers Association Lunch. If you missed it you need to take the time to view it on the City's TV site.

I have known this man for more years than I care to acknowledge. I always thought of him as somewhat intelligent; albeit a bit overstated in the education arena, but not an idiot by any means. I was WRONG!!! I was absolutely dead wrong in my opinion of the mayor and his intelligence. After reading his latest speech and the diatribe of idiocy he espouses, I question if he is even in touch with reality, let alone smart enough to understand balancing a checkbook for a single family household in America today. On what planet is it OK to take on over TWO BILLION DOLLARS in ADDITIONAL DEBT when it is clear current levels of revenue will leave the City of San Diego with OVER a ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT next year and the result will be more cuts to core services, reductions to wages and benefits of employees, and more structural changes that will continue to erode the infrastructure of every community in this city. The mayor espouses adding on to the Convention Center to the tune of almost ONE BILLION DOLLARS; build a new city hall for another cool ONE BILLION DOLLARS and a new downtown library for a small pittance of TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS give or take a couple of million. There is not one mention of where the money is going to come from; simply this, "We cannot allow our judgment to be clouded by the defeatists who think the only response to a weak economy is to abandon our aspirations."

I need help with the logic and reasoning from the mayor at this point. The mayor says, "During this time of economic hardship, I would never ask residents to choose between funding basic services and investing in discretionary capital projects. Each of the following initiatives will be funded by revenues generated by the projects. Put another way, the money we invest in the projects would not exist but for the projects themselves." I will be short and to the point; GET REAL MAYOR! If any of this garbage were true the revenues would ALREADY be in place to SUPPORT the projects you are pushing. This is pure garbage and anyone with a brain and the ability to add can see right through this. These projects will COST taxpayers dearly and many will never see the benefit of ANY of these projects.

The mayor continues, "I'm fully aware that, in times of economic upheaval, some people want government to stop in its tracks. They think progress was all right for previous generations, but it's taken us about as far as it can. This kind of thinking is nothing new in San Diego. Virtually every major project in the city has encountered opposition from groups who have no faith in tomorrow, who view all progress with suspicion, who don't believe we deserve to be a great city. If these people had their way, we'd still be riding ferries to Coronado. There wouldn't be a Mission Bay, or a trolley system, or a vibrant downtown with homes, shops and restaurants. We might not even have clean water piped into our homes."

What is it going to take to wake this stooge of a mayor up? Is he serious about this crap he is saying? Really? I was having so much fun in the Sierras and I just had to read this speech . I hate when I agree with the little rube or Steve Francis for that matter but they both have the mayor pegged. He is so off on this idiocy it is absolutely pathetic and will in the end be his defining moment of failure. To think he keeps trying to pawn off his antiquated and outdated and obsolete 5 y ear plan as a positive and at the same time rails against "bloggers" who have the sense to speak out against his lunacy. The mayor makes a comment I could not leave alone; "We cannot accept a City that is only part-efficient any more than we would accept a City that is part-honest." He even said it with a straight face. He would not know the truth at this point in his term any more than he would be able to balance that checkbook.

The mayor continues with, "Because we've been so successful in reducing operations, and because we chose pay cuts over service reductions, the public has largely been insulated from the magnitude of the challenges we've already overcome." The public has been snowed and lied to about the reality of what has truly been done to the workforce in San Diego. By reducing operations, the mayor forced over 250 experienced, senior police officer and almost 90 experienced, senior fire fighters to leave. The mayor boasts of his willingness to take the new hire with "Enthusiasm" over the experience he had just forced out. It does not stop there. The ability to hire and retain officers and firefighters is becoming increasingly difficult. The problem is agencies and cities across America understand the importance of a qualified, experienced and stable public safety. This mayor could give a damn.

I had to read this garbage twice to believe what he said. These are his words folks, not mine. "The City is no different than your family, or any family in these difficult times that has to weigh priorities and make tough decisions. So in my office, we talk every day about where we can save money, while doing all we can to protect services and the quality of life people care about." So let me ask a stupid question mayor, if it is ok? The city is no different than my family? The city is weighing priorities and making tough decisions; just like my family? You are kidding right? You are considering ways to SAVE money? You are doing this with the intent to protect services and the quality of life people care about? What people if I may ask? In my house I am not considering any building because I have enough debt. I am not talking about building a new home even though my existing one is in need of new plumbing, carpet, paint, doors, heater and air conditioner and many other renovations to a house that is almost 30 years old. I am not doing this because my income has been slashed and the costs of my benefits have exploded. I have had to decide to wait for these improvements, renovations and expansions. I did so with my family in mind. I decided paying for my son's law school and paying off my daughters four years of college at Cornell University and two years at UCSD getting her Masters was more important than pushing that debt off on them. I made a promise to my children to pay for their education and I am not like the City and reneging on these promises. So I live in a house that needs work and improvements and renovations that will wait. Before I leave this comment; whose quality of life are you talking about? Surly it is not that of your employees. Correct me if I am wrong here.

Remember my piece on the new computer program the city is attempting to get up and running to the tune of over THIRTY TWO MILLION DOLLARS? Well, the mayor is touting this program as another example of his stellar work. He says, "OneSD represents a quantum leap forward in our ability to identify inefficiencies, integrate our internal controls and pull data to help decision-making. But state-of-the-art infrastructure like this doesn't come cheap. OneSD required a significant investment by the city – an investment in accountability and efficiency that will realize returns for years to come." The part about "state-of-the-art infrastructure like this doesn't come cheap" is no joke. But why did we have to have the gold plated version of a program when the version all other cities across America could have been plucked off the shelf and for a fraction of the price been up and running long ago and a much reduced price? This is just another example of the puffing and blowing of smoke from this city's administration. This 32 million dollar joke is still not working and is creating more issues than it is solving problems.

I am not going to go into the Qualcomm Stadium site enhancements the mayor is bantering about. Take some time and read it for yourself. It is on page seven of his speech. I see a conflict of interest brewing here for the mayor to be so helpful and free with his giving to SDSU. If memory serves me he is a graduate of SDSU and is part of the alumni? I smell something fishy here (no, not from my trout fishing) but just can't get my hands around this one right now.

I have been at this for a while and want to get back to my camp site and the fish I have for dinner. The mayor closed with a comment directed at the likes of me and I want to respond. The mayor said, "Those public-spirited citizens, not the voices of negativity and inertia, are the true representatives of San Diego. Working together, we can, and we will, ensure that this time is remembered for the strength and wisdom we gained from adversity, and by what we were able to accomplish in spite of it." The mayor praises those "public-spirited citizens" who helped out during the fires yet fails completely to acknowledge the work, effort and dedication of a single employee. The mayor takes a shot at those of us who are the "voices of negativity and inertia" as not being a part of San Diego. He made a couple of wise cracks about "bloggers" as being part of these voices of negativity and inertia. I am honored he feels this way. It is a shame he does not pay attention to the reality of what people all over the city are saying. I am one voice and speak simply form my little slice of this earth. I take umbrage to the assertion a negative voice is NOT a true representative of San Diego. I happen to be a native of this City mayor. Where are you from? I have dedicated over 30 years of service to this community and also put myself out there as an elected representative for the people of the Poway Unified School District. What give you the right to speak negatively about those of us who share a different view of reality to you? What makes you better than any one of us?

People need to wake up and speak up and stop sitting passively by and letting this dolt tell you what you need and want. The longer you sit quietly on the sidelines the stronger his idiocy becomes and takes shape. The mayor does not care about your priorities or concerns. He sees his position as one of telling YOU what YOU need and want. HE IS SETTING YOUR PRIORITIES. It is time you tell him what YOUR PRIORITIES are.

Time to Seek Greener Grass?

It is looking more and more like things are going to get much worse before they ever start to get better. Projections today indicate the City of San Diego is facing a $100 million deficit next year. The mayor has already made promises to again cut positions throughout the city next year and this time around he has said fire and police will see the elimination of jobs as well. There will no doubt be further wage and benefit cuts and next year the 9% contribution to a newly created "Retiree Medical Trust" will begin for those employees who are six (6) years or more from retirement. The judge is sitting on the written decision from the June 27, 2009, hearing regarding the DROP and the City's desire to increase the age of entry into DROP. All of this has contributed to uncertainty and fear of what the future holds for those who are nearing age 50.

The first checks have been received that contain the latest round of cuts from the IMPOSED contract July 1^st. The cuts far exceed the 6% stated by the mayor and people are quickly starting to realize what they are up against. A Detective Sergeant who is single saw a loss of $236.16 from take home pay, PER PAY DAY. This employee who is single paid out of pocket an additional $22.00 for medical insurance. The flexible benefits dollars provided by the City DID NOT cover this employees BASIC medical insurances. This same employee has seen an increase of retirement contribution balloon to $528.11 PER PAY DAY. Take the example of a Detective who is married saw a reduction of $307.53 from the take home pay of a month ago. Remember folks this is PER PAY DAY! The medical insurance for this employee increased $351.29 from the prior year. Life Insurance and voluntary contributions to Deferred Comp were eliminated completely. The contribution to retirement has ballooned to $305.84 PER PAY DAY.

Taking these two examples (I have these two employees pay stubs – prior to cut and post cut) the total loss to the Sergeant is $6,140.16 per year and the loss to the Detective is $13,730.86 PER YEAR. These are just two examples of the effects of the imposed contract. The losses these two employees are taking will never be recouped and each will face more cuts next year. Stop and think for a second; would you be capable of taking this type of reduction to your salary and continue to live the life you do? Some will say they should be thankful they have a job. Some will say they are sharing the pain like everyone else. The mayor will tout a pay raise the prior two years that makes it somehow OK for these types of cuts to be forced upon our officers. The mayor seems to have a very short term memory when it comes to the wages and benefits of police officers. The two prior years saw reductions in wages and benefits. The "raises" the mayor attempts to use as justification for cuts did not bring to even the wages and benefits of police officers from the prior cuts. San Diego Police Officers have been steadily moving backwards when comparing our wages and benefits to our prior years.

Next year the City of San Diego is going to be facing a deficit of over $100 million. Top that off by a mayor seeking to expand the Convention Center to the tune of almost ONE BILLION DOLLARS. Let's not forget the mayor's desire to build a new, City Hall for another cool ONE BILLION DOLLARS. OH, don't forget the desire to build a new downtown library for another cool $200 million and rising every day. This is all "Voluntary" building and taking on debt that is being added to the unfunded liability the City has for Employee Retirement contributions that are almost TWO BILLION DOLLARS today. I could go on with the list of expenditures the current city administration has taken on and squandered but it's getting late and I am not sure I would be able to do it and maintain civility.

Many experts would tell a company struggling and looking for ways to cut costs, to invest in the capabilities of their current workforce. They would suggest listening to their employees and trusting their knowledge of where cuts could be made to have the least impact on the ability to provide necessary services and at the same time reducing cost. To this end, Robert Haas, a business advisor – philanthropist makes the following observation, "To me, the idea of a person as a marionette whose arms and legs start moving whenever you pull the pay strings is too simplistic a notion of what motivates people in organizations." When an organization such as the City of San Diego cries poor while making plans to spend over TWO BILLION DOLLARS it does not have; while simultaneously cutting the wages and benefits of its employees you can understand why employees feel like this marionette.

The mayor has not separated the difference between "lean and mean" from "cheap and petty." His every action has revolved around politics and his refusal to be honest with the taxpayer. The mayor has proven to be EXTREMELY PETTY and MEAN SPIRITED in his actions toward employees of this City. He has been CHEAP with his willingness to compensate the employees who dedicate themselves to providing safety to the persons who live, work and visit San Diego. The mayor needs to take a page from Armand Hammer, CEO of Occidental Petroleum (Deceased) when he said, "If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" when he talked about his ability to hire and retain the best people for his company.

The City of San Diego is already known for its world class zoo. The little rube talks about turning the San Diego Police Department into a "World Class Police Agency." If the City continues to pay peanuts, we will only reach world class status as a "City Zoo" full of monkeys who refuse to provide adequate public safety and soon after being trained leave for city's willing to throw in the basics such as bananas, housing, health care and a retirement plan that will allow them to live a comfortable life and receive what was promised.

As we head into next year, remember NOT to overlook small and seemingly insignificant negative actions from the mayor. The smallest of sparks can burn thousands of acres of land and destroy millions of lives. You have a choice and need to look forward and not dwell on the past. Keep an eye on where you are going and you will be OK. If you give others the power to dictate your path, you are merely a passive participant in your own life. There are two choices; taking control of the direction of your life or allowing the mayor and the city to control your fall into financial ruin. Which one will it be? The grass is greener where it is cultivated and watered. Is that San Diego or another City willing to give you that choice?