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KPBS Evening Edition

Two Possible Pension Reform Measures On June Ballot

Potential For Multiple Pension Reform Ballot Initiatives

San Diegans will see one pension reform ballot measure on the June ballot, but they could have an additional option to vote on as well.

The first measure, which is already on the ballot, would eliminate pensions for most city employees and switch them to a 401(k)-style system, Orr said.

A second measure, recently proposed by Councilman David Alvarez, would keep city pensions as they are, but would cap them at just under $100,000.

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Alvarez's "cap and freeze" plan is meant to give voters a choice, Orr said.

But Councilman Carl DeMaio, who is backing the 401(k) plan, said Alvarez's measure does not bring the needed reform.

"We've got the citizens measure, the one that was actually put on by the people and is supported by the people because it's real reform," DeMaio said.

Orr said it is not yet clear the second pension option will make it to the ballot. It needs five votes from the City Council, and Orr said while there are five Democrats on the council, some might not be in the political position to vote for the second option.

"There are also indications that the public strongly supports the 401(k) option so some councilmembers might now want to back an alternative that doesn't have a lot of chance at success," she said.