Government reform is the theme practically everyone who runs for office uses. But, when someone who spends his work-a-day life striving for government reform gets elected that person is someone to watch. Carl DeMaio our eyes are on you.
DeMaio is a new member of the San Diego City Council. He made the art of government reform his business. DeMaio founded the non-partisan Performance Institute as a think tank dedicated to reforming government through the principles of performance, transparency, competition and accountability. One of the first to warn San Diego officials of a pending city financial disaster, DeMaio created the San Diego Citizen’s Budget Project to examine the city’s financial outlook and improve the city’s service delivery.
Now DeMaio has a chance to practice what he preaches as a member of the City Council. Being one of eight council members and having to deal with the city bureaucracy as well as the executive branch doesn’t insure success. But, DeMaio apparently is intent on making changes by leading by example.
In an effort to show that he means business, the new council member sent out a list of rules he would follow as a council member. Given San Diego’s well publicized problems with its pension system, his first pledge is a whopper. He rejected his pension plan.
Here’s DeMaio’s list of rules he plans to live by as he enters his new office:
Rejection of Elected Official Pension Plan: The defined benefit pension plan for City Council members provides for the richest benefit formula of all city employees. “How can our elected officials reform the pension system if they are directly benefiting from the system?” asked DeMaio in explaining his decision. His move will save taxpayers $28,662 per year for his pension alone.
Rejection of Elected Official Auto Allowance: DeMaio will refuse the automatic auto allowance of $9600 each elected official receives per year and will only seek reimbursement for documented mileage outside of a normal work commute.
Council Budget Reductions: For each of the last five years, DeMaio has proposed cutting city council budgets. This year his idea finally was approved when the Mayor and City Council agreed to a 10% cut for the remainder of FY2009 budget. DeMaio is calling for a 15% cut in the FY 2010 budget—and a 20% cut in the Council Administration budget. DeMaio’s own office budget easily accomplished the budget reduction without an impact to service levels.
Posting Schedule Online: DeMaio will commit to maximum public transparency by posting his official calendar online each month—documenting who he has met with and for what purpose.
Gift Ban: While elected officials are allowed to receive up to $420 in gifts from any one source per year, DeMaio will refuse any and all gifts.
Stadium Boxes: Elected officials receive tickets and admittance to private VIP boxes at the Qualcomm and Petco Park stadiums. DeMaio will not utilize his tickets for personal use and instead will donate his tickets to city charities for their fundraisers and volunteer recognition.
Can he live up to these commitments? More interestingly, can he convince his colleagues and the mayor to accept major changes in the way San Diego government conducts its business? If he is successful, will San Diego serve as a model for the rest of the state?
We’re watching, Carl.