PLATFORM

By Phil Meinhardt

The following is a sample of my views on San Diego Government.

1. Solve underfunding of current defined benefits pension/medical system. Complete the audits, and see what direction the Courts provide for the current system regarding the last two unfunded pension benefits increases. Tighten up accounting procedures.

2. For the future, promote the world's best defined contributions pension/medical benefits system to permanently solve the problem. The input from the City's budget for the past and the future must be sustainable and consider other priorities. All over the corporate and government world, the tide is going out on defined benefit systems because they are unstainable. The Federal Pension Benefits Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), which only insures corporate defined benefits pensions, not State and local governments, has current reports of $357 billion in unfunded requirements. And, of course, the PBGC only pays a fraction of the benefits if a company goes bankrupt. Defined benefits systems have decreased dramatically in recent years; most California Corporations have defined contribution systems.

3. Assist in every way possible the transition to the strong-mayor form of government; minimize organizational turbulence.

4. As finances permit and creditworthiness returns, upgrade infrastructure such as sewers, police and fire protection. Improve openess, efficiency, and accountability.

5. Push for joint-use of Miramar MCAS to relieve pressure on Lindbergh Field. The climate in Washington is changing. Wait until the base closure process is finished at the end of this year, and carefully lobby the Department of Defense. The right delegation, led by the Governor, should make the request for joint usage to Congress, the Department of Defense, and the President. If encouraging, complete an environmental impact study. As an Air Force pilot, I have personally landed many times at very busy joint-use airports such as Frankfurt, Germany (U.S. military-German civil) and Charleston, S.C. where joint-use has worked very well for many years. Miramar is not a busy airport, and it has two runways, one 12,000 feet and the other about 10,000. Airport funding is separate from City funding; it is FAA and bonds issued by the Airport Authority. Plan for a trolley extension from South Runway/Terminal of Miramar to downtown

Environmental Concerns:

1. Noise and residue pollution from Lindbergh Field is a major concern. Stop expansion. Although flying is safe, the approaches and departures from Lindbergh Field are less than ideal; risk should be reduced.

2. Sewers need to be upgraded to reduce sewage spill/polluted runoff.

Police and Fire Protection:

1. The city does not have enough police. San Diego is the third most dangerous city (behind New York City and Miami) for pedestrians. Twenty-one percent of traffic deaths are pedestrians. Crosswalks are not painted and police do not enforce traffic stops at crosswalks; apparently, there are not enough police for this lower priority. San Diego is also near the top in auto thefts.

2. Firefighters and police are our first line of defense; San Diego's are underfunded. Response times for 911 calls do not meet the national standard. We have not seen the last of dangerous wildfires, and terrorists attacks are possible.

Open and Honest Government:

1. While in office, there should be rules for City Government members that they can accept nothing more than a cup of coffee. There should be no free tickets, lunches, dinners, or other gratuities. These were our Department of Defense rules; and the penalties for violation were very detrimental to your career.

2. The $250 maximum contribution for City Council elections, per individual, and only from individuals, strikes me as fair. However, I understand the County Republican and Democratic Parties can raise unlimited funds to support a candidate, from all sources, if they endorse a candidate. They can also coordinate the expenditure of those funds with the candidate. It sounds unfair to me and the law should be changed. The above changes would help ensure that elected officials are more responsive to the public rather than special interests.

Phil Meinhardt, 9/08/05