Los Angeles, November 16, 2012– Richard Riordan told reporters today that he is backing out on his initial commitment to debate Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) President Tyler Izen regarding his pension scheme that he is trying to qualify for the ballot.
Two days ago, Riordan’s spokesperson told reporters that the former mayor would debate the League regarding his pension proposal. “Dick Riordan was for a public debate about his pension proposal before he was against it,” Izen said. “Once again, we are seeing Riordan speak out of both sides of his mouth.”
We should not be surprised that Riordan is once again talking out of both sides of his mouth. When he was mayor, he labeled those who opposed a proposed city law requiring city contractors to pay above minimum wage as “immoral”- and then vetoed the very same law. In 2002, Riordan said he was against the death penalty. Later, he said he did not recall making that statement.
A 1993 Los Angeles Times profile piece called “Mystery Mayor” may have said it best when it applauded Riordan for being a risk taker but then added, “Yet he can be absent-minded, inarticulate, contradictory and downright sloppy.” One thing consistent about Richard Riordan is his double talk.
In light of his self-proclaimed belief in the importance of civic education belief in the importance of civic education and an engaged and informed electorate, which he expressed as recently as October 27, 2012 in a panel he headed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, we were not surprised that Mr. Riordan at first eagerly accepted the challenge to debate.
“I challenged Richard Riordan to three debates between now and December 7 because he has yet to offer any independent analysis that supports his wild claims,” Izen said. “Riordan has chosen to hide behind carefully-orchestrated radio talk show appearances where no challenging or insightful questions are asked, appearances before groups where he knows his ideas won’t be challenged, and well-crafted media releases that lack any pretense of substance.”
The Riordan charter change initiative titled “New Defined Contribution Plan; Amendments to Existing Retirement Plans” will dramatically increase the City’s required payments to the three Los Angeles pension systems. These increased costs, which will be in addition to already scheduled contributions, would take effect as soon as the systems are closed to all future employees and will continue at the increased level for a decade or more. This means less money for public safety and other vital City services.
“Riordan repeatedly claims that rising City costs will lead to bankruptcy,” Izen said. “It therefore makes no sense for voters to adopt a pension scheme that immediately, and for a lengthy period of time, increases City costs. His plan isn’t factually supported and doesn’t save the City money.”
Contacts: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or Paul Haney (626) 755-4759.
