Commentary: Firefighters association should not campaign

Have you heard of the wealthy, out-of-town special interest group that endorsed Councilwoman Sandy Genis, former Councilman Jay Humphrey and candidate John Stephens?

Many of its members are among the nation’s top earners, making more than $250,000 a year in “total compensation,” according to Transparent California. [Total compensation calculations include base salary, overtime, health benefits, retirement contributions and other factors beyond salary].

Even after retiring, they continue to tax our budget. Just one of their pensions can cost taxpayers $5 million or more, if they collect 35 years of benefits (based on my calculations). Considering that one can retire as young as 50 after 30 years of service and collect 90% of one’s ending salary with a 2% annual cost of living increase thereafter, such large payouts are increasingly common.

They’re largely responsible for the city’s negative net worth. We owe $61 million more than we’ve set aside for fire’s generous pension benefits (not including promises for medical benefits).

Not one of them resides in Costa Mesa.

What special interest group is this? Who are these outsiders trying to influence a local election? And what do they have to gain by winning?

Disappointingly, the answer is the Costa Mesa Fire Assn. They’ve endorsed the above candidates and are campaigning door to door in uniform. They’ve committed tens of thousands to deceptive mailers and signs to elect those who will best reward them at the next negotiation.

While they’re professionals who do an excellent job at providing a necessary city service, the city has other critical needs too.

Allowing them to “hire” the person who can give them their next pay and pension increase is the equivalent of allowing the fox, or should I say in Southern California, the coyote, to guard the hen house. It’s an unethical conflict that benefits two parties: the firefighters and the council members. The taxpayer, of course, pays for this largesse.

Can the city afford another large pension increase to those who enjoy the best pension imaginable? When the conflicted council members reward this group with large pay and pension increases, can our city weather the cuts in essential services and infrastructure that will be needed to pay for this gift?

Like a good magician who practices sleight of hand, the CMFA wants the public to focus on its misleading cries of safety, all the while they line the political campaign pockets of favored candidates. They’re counting on being rewarded from those they help elect.

So the next time a uniformed CMFA member comes to your door campaigning, ask him: Do you reside in Costa Mesa? Why aren’t you working instead of campaigning?

TIM SESLER is a member of the Costa Mesa Planning Commission and the city’s Pension Oversight Committee.