Pension math just doesn't pencil out

Letters to the editor for Nov. 1, 2013: Pensions; new Chargers stadium; drinking on the Coaster; plastic bag ban; medical care better in Europe; stop blaming Bush

Nothing ‘fuzzy’ about pension math

Responding to the commentary “Fuzzy Math Behind Pension Reform” (Oct. 26): Mr. Cottingham, the author, knows that pension plan funds must be separated and set aside from funds for gasoline and teachers’ salaries. Private companies are required to fund their pension funds at levels that support their ability to guarantee future and present pensions obligations. This system works well.

However, state and local governments do not have a similar requirement, and most state and local governments are not adequately funded to guarantee current and future pension obligations.

This is actually a ticking time bomb for the state and cities of California — promises have been made, but money has not been deposited. This is the problem in San Jose that the mayor is trying to fix.

Daniel E. Collins


That stadium issue

It’s frustrating to read comments such as those written by Wilford Mannon (“It’s up to Chargers to build stadium,” Letters, Oct. 29) about the Chargers and the stadium issue.

Mannon and many others believe that the Chargers and the NFL should solely shoulder the cost of a new stadium. Under that theory, would the Chargers then retain all profits from games and concessions, as well as any income that may come in from Super Bowls (hundreds of millions of dollars were infused into the San Diego economy during out last Super Bowl).

Can the Chargers hold onto all the money that would come from conventions, NCAA finals, concerts, etc., if the stadium is built downtown?

The idea of a new stadium should be thought of as a community investment that benefits the entire county. I would hope that the people of San Diego County can keep an open mind on the stadium issue. Yes, the Chargers will benefit from a new stadium, but so will the entire county. Let’s invest in the region rather than hinder what can become a huge windfall for all.

Jim Stingl

Chula Vista

It’s not supposed to be the Coaster Saloon

Who the heck is this guy Sam Warren who wrote to you about drinking on the Coaster and said, “Set aside a party car, install a bar, sell drinks, make a profit, make lemonade out of lemons” (“Why not have a party car on the coaster,” Letters, Oct. 26)?

Right to the point. Problem solved and I suppose you could truly call it the Coaster Saloon. He’s way too sharp. Let’s send him to Congress and use his everyday wisdom to solve some of these problems. Where was he when we needed a resolution instead of a booze ban at the beach? Elect him to something!

Ned Huntington

Mission Beach

Bag ban a ‘nanny state’ measure

Paper or plastic? Who cares?

Instead of focusing on improving San Diego’s Third World streets and homelessness or reducing police response times, the City Council chooses to spend time, money and resources pursuing a ban on plastic bags.

Years ago the liberals told us cutting down trees to make paper bags hurt the environment. Which is it, paper or plastic? You can’t have it both ways.


