The Acorn is correct when it states a local newspaper might have prevented the city of Bell from the embarrassing situation they’re now in. Oversight of all public agencies is essential if we are to keep public officials honest.

The situation in Bell brings to mind the scandal that rocked the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in the early 1990s.

It was 20 years ago when the Board of Supervisors quietly adopted an employee benefits plan that included cash benefits to the supervisors, including such items as:

•Seven weeks of extra pay every January.

•A severance payment if they lost an election or retired, payments ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000.

•A longevity bonus if they had more than five years of service.

•An automobile allowance of $500 a month plus a gasoline mileage allowance.

•An educational bonus for college degrees, increasing with the level of the degree.

•100 percent of their Social Security contribution paid by the county.

•Additional pay for serving on various county boards.

The hidden benefits essentially doubled the income of the supervisors. When this scandal was exposed, the county quickly put together a “blue ribbon” committee, which then recommended the supervisors end the benefits but also recommended a 50 percent increase in their salaries.

Had these hidden benefits not been exposed when they were, it would have cost the taxpayers of Ventura County hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I agree with the governor that every elected official in the state–legislators, supervisors, City Council members, school/ community college districts, special district (water, recreation and parks, healthcare) should be required to disclose the gross compensation shown on their W-2.

While the salaries are occasionally published, there are often additional payments for board members serving on an organization’s budget, audit, personnel committee, adding hundreds of dollars each month.

Each agency should be required to post its benefits plan provided to elected officials.

It’s unconscionable that cities provide lifetime healthcare for council members. Those costly benefits should be rescinded immediately.
Jere Robings
Thousand Oaks