Kevin Faulconer, Lorie Zapf and Carl DeMaio won an initial skirmish to put Pension Reform on the June 2012 ballot, as per the 115,991 registered voters who signed that petition. It’s not a done deal yet, however, since the same Union forces who tried to intimidate petition signers with the notorious “blocking” tactics, want to delay the vote till November. In a statement today Carl DeMaio says, “Millions in taxpayer savings would be lost if the City Council neglects its Constitutional duty to place this measure for a public vote in June 2012. San Diegans have waited long enough for pension reform, and I will fight any attempt to delay the vote on this measure.”
…… More from Carl DeMaio’s official Statement
“Monday, the City Council voted 5-3 to initiate the process to place the measure on the June ballot. However, several councilmembers strongly opposed the action and suggested the vote be delayed until November 2012. Some Councilmembers also made it clear that they intend to skew the measure’s description, voter guide summary, and fiscal analysis. The resistance by these Councilmembers comes despite the fact that the measure qualified for a public vote with a record-breaking 115,991 valid signatures certified by the City Clerk’s Office in November.
“Given Council opposition voiced on Monday, DeMaio notes, ‘a June 2012 vote on pension reform is far from certain’ and strongly cautioned San Diegans to not take anything for granted. The City Council will have to vote again in January on whether to place the measure on the June 2012 ballot.
“DeMaio, a primary author of the measure put his own Mayoral campaign largely on hold to help spearhead the day-to-day operations of the signature gathering effort – and raise more than $1 million to support the measure. DeMaio is part of a broad-based coalition of taxpayer, business, and neighborhood groups working collaboratively to qualify and pass the measure. Passing the measure will produce billions in savings for taxpayers by moving new employees into 401(k) retirement accounts and capping the pensionable pay of existing employees.
“For more information on the Pension Reform Ballot Measure , visit www.CarlDeMaio.com.”