General Manager’s Report, Second Quarter of 2010
A number of you responded last month when we sent out an e-mail soliciting questions to be addressed in this addition of The Viewpoint. If those who responded are indicative of the rest of MEA’s represented employees, then it is clear that one of the most significant topics on your mind is the future of the retiree healthcare benefit. About 80% […]
Read more >>Thank You Honorable Roger T. Benitez
By Dan Coffey Honorable Roger T. Benitez, United States District Judge, exercised his proper powers as an objective, Article Three federal judge on April 6, 2010. In doing so, he dismissed all five innocent defendants originally named in the “honest services” pension case brought on Jan. 6, 2006, by controversial former U.S. Attorney, Carol Lam. Those defendants are: Ronald Saathoff, […]
Read more >>President’s Message, Second Quarter of 2010
“Protecting Taxpayers” We hear certain politicians talk about “protecting taxpayers” all the time. These words have been used a lot in recent discussions between City management and employees. There is one description of “protecting the taxpayer” that seems to get the most attention. That definition, which I believe is a very narrow view, is that it’s all about the money—pay […]
Read more >>Follow Up Message from Ann Smith
Dear ALL: When reading my message which MEA sent on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, related to the Appellate Court’s decision in the purchase of service credit case, please be aware that the effects of this litigation and the decision of the 4th DCA will apply to all “air time” service credits actually purchased during the period August 1, 2003, through November 1, 2003, or for […]
Read more >>MEA’s Phone System Will be Offline for a Short Time on Friday, June 25th
MEA’s phone system will be offline on Friday, June 25th from12-2:30pm due to necessary maintenance and upgrades. Our office will still be open during regular business hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you.
Read more >>Message from Ann Smith Regarding Appellate Court’s Decision in Purchase of Service Credit Case
Dear ALL: You have likely seen recent media coverage about the Fourth District Court of Appeal’s decision issued on June 7th affirming a trial court decision related to purchased service credits. Here is the background on the case and an overview of what it means as well as when/how its consequences will likely be felt. In October and November 2007, on […]
Read more >>Pension Contribution Rate Change
Last week the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (SDCERS) Board of Directors voted to change the way it calculates pension contributions from employees. The change is based on a new opinion from SDCERS’ fiduciary counsel related to how disability benefit costs should be shared by employees and the City. Both SDCERS and the City intend to have the new […]
Read more >>June 8th Primary Election Reminder
Tuesday, June 8th is election day in San Diego! There are two very close Council races that will likely be decided by a handful of voters. In District 6, MEA has endorsed Howard Wayne, a former State Assemblymember with a solid record of accomplishment, who would help to significantly elevate the dialogue in San Diego politics. In District 8, MEA has […]
Read more >>Mandatory Furlough Must be Used Before June 30th
Time is running out to use any remaining mandatory furlough you might have. Per MEA’s Memorandum of Understanding, the 52 hours of Mandatory Furlough for 2009 -2010 must be taken off before the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30, 2010. This is a “use it or lose it” program, with unused time not carrying over into the next fiscal […]
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