A defense of double-dipping

Re "Double-dipping in pensions needs to sunset" (Editorials, Jan. 13): I get it that Sacramento County Executive Brad Hudson is a despicable double-dipping reprobate whose name should not be uttered in polite company. I just don't understand why.

I don't get the simplistic, illogic of the position that some retired people can no longer be compensated for their "post-retirement" contributions. I suppose if members of The Bee's editorial board retired and drew a pension from prior employment at the Los Angeles Times they would not be qualified to work "post-retirement" at The Bee.

Is the secretary who, after 30 years of diligent service in a public agency, retires with a defined annual pension income of less than $30,000 disqualified from ever again working in any capacity in another public agency?

What are the principles here that support The Bee's politically correct, anti-double dipping tirade? Is "life after retirement" prohibited? I don't think there are any principles.

– Mike DiMiceli, Citrus Heights

Recess on redevelopment

Re "What should be the future of redevelopment in California (Head to Head, Jan. 11): While Gov. Jerry Brown's motivation is to free redevelopment money for the current budget crisis, the redevelopment concept needs a five year "recess" to reorder priorities and use of the whole redevelopment concept – especially the size and scope of projects.

– John Grindy, Lincoln

Romney's economics better

Re "Romney's economic plans the real vulture" (Editorials, Jan. 13): Please explain how a policy of increasing taxes on corporations, increasing taxes on people who own companies and create jobs, and increasing government regulations will create jobs?

Please explain how Obama's economic policies have helped the middle class in his first term and how his policies will help citizens in his possible second term? He has postponed or neglected good ideas that his Bowles-Simpson deficit reduction committee proposed and numerous projects that would add jobs.

Please explain using facts, not rhetoric

– Steve Rath, Cameron Park

Natomas needs change

Re "School district must commit to a culture change" (Editorials, Jan. 12): This report is a sad reminder that Natomas Unified is quite a long way from performing at the level that we know it can. Blaming the past is not a strategy for success.

A quality education is not possible for our children under these current conditions.

Natomas is home to some of the brightest young minds in California. Let's stop making excuses and give them a chance to reach their full potential.

– Ryan Herche, Sacramento

Workers should pay, too

Re "City hopes pension changes will shield jobs" (Page A1, Jan. 12): I spent 33 years in a busy Southern California fire department. I paid 9 percent of my salary each month toward my retirement. The city I worked for contributes $100 per month for my health insurance in retirement, I pay the other $650 plus.

On two occasions when the union attempted to come to my fire department, I personally and successfully led the fight to keep them out. Let the employees pay. – Wayne Woolsey, Pollock Pines

Wolf is welcome

Re "Many eyes peeled for lone wolf" (Our Region, Jan. 5): Several years ago, my husband and I were traveling north on Highway 395 in late fall when we stopped at a wooded rest stop at dusk. Standing by the picnic tables were three wolves. We hesitated getting out of the car when another car drove up and the wolves ran off. I hope our new wolf meets up with them.

– Barbara Schacht, Chico

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

---

WRITE US A LETTER

Include: Name, mailing address and phone number.

Length: 150 words or less.

BEST WAY TO SUBMIT

Online form: www.sacbee.com/sendletter

E-mail: letters@sacbee.com Other: Letters, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852

• Read more articles by