Comments on: Taxpayers Well Served by Public Sector Double Dippers

By: Older than

Older than — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:22:19 +0000

No. 2 and 5 – my my aren’t we angry? (Though I do have to admit that is a pretty good retort). Get off your duff and do something about it then. As for your assumption of my background, you have it wrong, but I am sure that will not change your non-analytic perspective. Cool off, look at the facts absent the anger, and reach a conclusion based on the facts, not emotion. I think I have done that on this issue. My analysis is in agreement with this blog post – that though the total compensation to a few of the 17,000 county employees who are retired and working also is a shocker to many, the cost to the taxpayers is not different by hiring a non-retiree vs. a retiree. Here is an example I am familiar with – until the current budget cut atmosphere of the public school districts a large portion of those willing to do substitute teaching were retired teachers willing to come back and work as sub’s. That practice saved the day for school districts as there was a shortage of teachers. Should that have been banned? Unfortunately today most substitutes are teachers who were full time until budget cut reductions laid them off. What really troubles me about issues like this is that the impact to taxpayers is mis-characterized to help mount campaigns of anger that just might lead to even greater mediocracy at the upper echelons of government, in the classroom, and elsewhere. As for your suggestion that people can be hired who would develop the necessary skills, these top jobs are not for trainees. Succession planning would be nice, but when you have something like the Carona scandal that is out the window. Some say the existance of double dippers means the system is broken – in my opinion that kind of broad-brush characterization needs to be challenged by demanding good fiscal analysis. One of the reasons government in California is such a mess is that it has so often been driven by theme vs. analysis, including at the ballot box. If you still feel this is a problem that needs to be fixed, I am interested in reading your recommendation on how to fix it.

By: Martha Montelongo

Martha Montelongo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:30:06 +0000

Older than, you smug, self righteous priss, you must be a member of the new aristocracy, the public employees, with your inflated salaries, early retirements and Cadillac work and retirement benefits, ’cause in your little elitist brain, we’re so damn lucky to have you and your A+ spelling prowess and haughtiness.

By: deadwhitemale

deadwhitemale — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:04:30 +0000

no double dipping Costanza

By: Older than

Older than — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:49:30 +0000

No. 1 – if there is such alternative talent out there I would hope they can string a few words and sentences together that display better grammar than you do! Ability to communicate effectively in writing should be a consideration. As to the pay of the Sheriff – an elected position – I believe it is pretty much set at that level regardless of who fills the job. Could be wrong on that, but I don’t think so. There is also a requirement in State law that a person seeking that office must have a law enforcement background and experience at the management level. Thus the field of capable, qualified applicants may be a lot smaller than you would think.

By: Older than

Older than — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:48:03 +0000

No. 1 – if there is such alternative talent out there I would hope they can string a few words and sentences together that display better grammar than you do! Ability to communicate effectively in writing should be a consideration. As to the pay of the Sheriff – an elected position – I believe it is pretty much set at that level regardless of who fills the job. Could be wrong on that, but I don’t think so. There is also a requirement in State law that a person seeking that office must have a law enforcement background and experience at the management level. Thus field of capable, qualified applicants may be a lot smaller than you would think.

By: Martha Montelongo

Martha Montelongo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:14:34 +0000

Are you joking? You must be! Of course you realize a smart management team can replace the departing Sheriff Hutchens or any other retiring talent, with a junior up and comer, and you don’t have to pay them at the same salary which the outgoing retiree-soon-to-be-double-dipper was earning when she left. That would just be so dumb to do. You’re so funny! There’s got to be other people out there with the right character, temperament, and qualities, and she grow into and develop the skills just like Hutchens did.