SafeOC just sent this mailer out across Orange County. The PAC is trying to put appointed OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens squarely in front of the tsunami of public outrage over financial woes that stem from double-dipping, hyper-compensated public safety employees. Given all of the news coverage that pensions have been getting lately, it might resonate with more than a few voters.
SafeOC’s real focus is on the 2nd amendment and personal safety, so it’s no surprise that they call out Hutchen’s infamous “gun grabbing” tendencies as well.
If the Shoe fits
I worked 32 years for the LA Sheriff’s Department and retired with my pension. LASD is NOT part of PERS or CALPERS, but rather our system requires we make significant payroll contributions each month for 30 years (and I mean significant). This is the same system Hutchens belongs to. The retirement system is managed by LACERA and has nothing to do with Los Angeles County, that is why our system is NOT broke. With that said, are you telling me it would be “wrong” to obtain a second career if I so choose (which I will not)? Are you telling me I have no business running for any elected office because I would obtain a second salary? I have no business working as a Wal-Mart “greeter” with would allow me to invest in a 401K or other IRA?
Get off the fact that public safety in Southern California has an excellent retirement system. While you (most folks) had every evening, weekend and holiday home with your family, I worked every crummy shift with Tues and Wed off for years. I faced the most dangerous and armed drug users, gang members and career criminals Los Angeles could offer. I have scars and life-long injuries to prove it. I have buried partners who took a bullet while making “routine” traffic stops.
Southern California law enforcement has the most highly trained and best educated police officers anywhere in the nation. And yes, we are well paid for risking our lives and I make no excuse for that. You want discount cops who make 24K a year and no retirement plan? Take a look at the New Orleans Police Department or many of those in Florida, corruption is aplenty.
Or better yet, YOU put on the uniform and do the job for chump change. Oh, by the way, there is a drug crazed suspect with an AK-47 standing in the street. He just killed 4 innocent citizens walking down the street and he is waiting for you, go get him. If you survive, then let me ask you if you earned your money that day. And another by the way, that is only your first call of the day, you have another 7 hours to go.
If you don’t like Hutchens, bang her on performance, not because she is working a second job after paying her dues in Los Angeles.
Jack Webb.
Thank you for clarrifying the LAPD pension system.
What a LAME mailer