The Herald’s troublesome endorsement of Walker Stapleton left out critical information. The Herald is somehow blaming PERA for refusing to release private financial information to Stapleton concerning the highest 20 percent of PERA earners. The Herald ignored Stapleton’s nefarious motivation for such information, using PERA as a political football to advance his career. What most voters don’t know is his absentee record.
I question the effectiveness of a treasurer who manages to show up only 10 days a month. According to records obtained through Colorado’s Open Record Laws, Stapleton’s attendance at PERA board meetings was bleak. In 2012, he attended three of 10 meetings and left two early.
In 2013, there were seven board meetings, he attended two and left both early. There have been five board meetings through June; he has fully attended one, and left early at two others. Stapleton’s dismal attendance at board meetings makes it difficult for him to argue that his lawsuit has the best intentions for Colorado retirees and citizens.
Voters don’t know about the criticism for moonlighting at his real estate firm: Sonoma West Holdings. There is also controversy concerning the transparency of this company as it was changed to a designation that can’t be followed by the SEC. He is making more money at his moonlighting position ($150,000) than his public job.
He has traveled the state attending Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs with the sole intention of discrediting PERA without real numbers to back up his assertions, while pandering to so-called fiscal conservatism talking points to make him appear concerned. Fortunately for the taxpayers, the Colorado Supreme Court dealt Stapleton some humble pie by refusing to hear his lawsuit.
His punishing 2010 statement to the Fremont County Republicans tells it all, “It’s time, unfortunately, everyone who benefits from PERA suffers.” He wants a half million people to suffer? He’ll bring down local economies while impoverishing retirees who worked all their lives for no Social Security. By the way, PERA earned 15.6 percent for 2013 and 12.9 percent for 2012 and has averaged 9 percent for the past 30 years.
Bruce Liddiard
Durango
