I’m not sure of the mechanism that allowed the Simi Police Officers Association to acquire its 3 at 55 percent plan; however, I suspect, it was similar to the Los Angeles Police Department’s 3 at 55 plan.

LAPD’s was orchestrated during an expected low voter turnout, off-year election. The Police Protective League vigorously lobbied to have it put on the ballot as a city charter amendment.

The voting constituents failed to show up to vote it down, and the slim majority of turnout voters, mostly relatives and friends of LAPD, got it through.

Simi Valley POA follows closely with LAPD politics.

In any case, the plan is a budget buster and robs other vital city services and fleeces the pockets of taxpayers.

How tired are we of hearing the valor and dedication of our heroic police who risk life and limb, failing to care, however, if they bankrupt their employer and city in the process.

Economic times mandate our return to non-generous compensation levels preexisting the Wall Street boom. Also, employees need to realize that they, like everyone else, must contribute to their own plan. LAPD deducts 7 percent from officers’ paychecks, or at least used to.

Dedicated men and women wishing to serve the community through safety departments must do so out of conviction and patronage to the community and country, not for over-gracious compensation and benefits packages that by far outstrip what the real world gets.
Don Stone
Simi Valley