Cox, Kolender Praise Governor’s Leadership On Public Pensions

SAN DIEGO – Supervisor Greg Cox, Sheriff Bill Kolender and representatives from the League of California Cities, the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and the Peace Officers Research Association of California praised Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today for his leadership and willingness to embrace the ideas of public safety and local government in crafting his reform of the State’s public pension system.

“Governor Schwarzenegger has built a tremendous partnership with local government, last year through our efforts to pass Proposition 1A, and this year as we work toward an equitable pension solution,” said Supervisor Greg Cox, President of the California State Association of Counties, who met with Governor Schwarzenegger this morning and stood with him as he announced that he would pull back from the ballot initiative he had been championing. “Clearly, there are reforms that must be implemented to public pensions and the Governor has committed to take the time necessary to work with us on this issue.”

Sheriff Bill Kolender lauded the Governor’s efforts to look out for men and women in law enforcement and their families. “We want to see a pension reform measure that is responsive to all Californians,” Sheriff Kolender said adding that, “the Governor has shown tremendous respect in bringing all of us to the table for these discussions.” Sheriff Bill Kolender currently serves as the President of the California State Sheriffs’ Association

Governor Schwarzenegger has pledged to reform California’s public pension system and launched an initiative drive that had aimed for a fall special election. After a series of meetings this week with public safety and local government representatives, Schwarzenegger announced this morning that he would not pursue an initiative for a special election, citing concerns about death and disability benefits for law enforcement, firefighters and their families.