Re: “Crafting a PERA-chute,” Sept. 15 news story, and “State pension program needs fortification,” Sept. 15 editorial.
One of the recommendations of the state treasurer’s Commission to Strengthen and Secure PERA is to revamp the Public Employee Retirement Association board of trustees by requiring the trustees to “have financial expertise,” rather than be elected by the PERA members from their ranks. Great! There are probably some real experts out there who could be appointed by the governor: Ken Lay (or Enron’s CFO), pension benefit specialists from several major airlines, or maybe some former director from a savings and loan board. No, thanks! I want my retirement system run by people who are willing to take the time to keep members informed, who have no prior connections to the financial markets, and who have members’ trust. After all, they are called “trustees.”
Melinda Reed, Wheat Ridge
