The recent news about the City of Bell has been disconcerting to say the least. So it was reassuring to read Ken Farfsing’s letter in the July 23 edition of the [Signal] Tribune. While most people of reason agree that all public employees and elected officials are entitled to fair and just compensation for their service, what would even be more reassuring would be the publication of the salaries of the highest paid employees in the City of Signal Hill. Also the compensation of our city council members and the members of the various agencies. A related issue that begs clarification is who will pay for the huge retirement benefits to Bell’s retired city manager, et al?
Steve Lopez’s column in the July 25 LA Times partially answers the question. He states that Bell is pooled with 140 similarly sized California towns and public entities like water and sanitation districts, which together will be taxed to pay these benefits. Inquiring minds would like to know if Signal Hill or our water or our sanitation district is included in this pool?
The Signal Tribune could perform a valuable public service by enlightening its readers on these issues.
Clark and Donnis Weygandt
Signal Hill
