Speakers to Debate Over Smart Reform

The November 2^nd election's ballot is full of issues and initiatives up for review from citizens. These topics are considered to be propositions. One major prop, as they are put simply, is labeled B with no numbers. This is an issue growing from support of many city employees. One is a current candidate on the ballot himself, Jeff Adachi, who is the acting public defender for San Francisco city and county.

This certain policy of Prop. B concerns the future of funding through healthcare and pensions for city employees. Those who support this change are looking forward to saving 121 million dollars of the city's budget annually. All employees contributing 9 - 10 percent to their pensions, and paying higher costs of their healthcare bills would make this effective. This replaces funding from the city it cannot afford, without claiming bankruptcy in the next decade. Do not be fooled, a similar interest was disputed and resolved at the time of the last election. However, the previous plan involving pensions did not include current employees who are or will become eligible to retire.

I think this issue gives reassurance to citizens that want a fair range of security in the communities we live in. I would hope enough other San Franciscans do also. One area of uncertainty that stops good laws from being made is confusion from voters not knowing the facts. That is why a public meeting will be held in downtown this weekend, with several speakers delivering an n open debate style speech.

Speaking at the event being held at the main library will be Mr. Adachi, Sean Elsbernd, a city supervisor, and Vic Grayson, a Muni bus operator. The discussion is open to all and begins around 10am. The group is covering more than just Smart Reform, with an additional 3 topics. One speaker will present the "pro" side of the speech and the second will then argue the "con" to each issue. Afterwards, a question and answer will be open for audience to participate.

The city's public defenders office sees more than 25,000 cases each year. Currently, Mr. Adachi is running to be re-elected as the office's head chair. Any other candidate does not oppose him. Mr. Adachi is also the only elected public defender in California, who first ran in the year 2001 after being fired from the office. Since 2002 he has held the same office in San Francisco.

I look forward to attending this event, myself. It would be an honor to met this man who has been involved in more than just law. I am personally a fan of fan independent movies. Jeff Adachi, who is alumni to Berkley, is also a writer and director. The Slanted Screen of 2006 and Jack Soo were two pieces of his personal work. Both of these films have the expressionism of the problems that Asian-Americans face inside the legal system. He also starred in a PBS documentary Presumed Guilty in 2002. All of this action of arts was developed through Mr. Adachi's office working around cases and seeing these stories happen first hand.

As voting day is nearing less than a month away, getting to know the issues can prepare your decision to vote. The deficit of California alone is among the highest of any other state in our nation. San Francisco's planning of the Smart Reform is a positive approach on preventing leaving long term employees from being unprepared in their retirements. To learn more on the entire ballot topics and met one candidate in person, be sure to attend this event on September 24^th. The main library is located at 30 Groove St., and can be contacted at 415-557-4238.