In 1998, Bill Crist said there had been "no evidence or even suspicion of corruption" at the CalPERS Board. Yet, pages of such evidence were submitted by CalPERS attorneys to Sacramento Superior Court.
PersWatch used the public records act to learn the truth. We worked for reforms, such as reporting the minutes of closed door sessions, so that potential "pay to play" votes can be monitored.
Bill Crist used his influence to violate election regulations by changing his ballot statement to address Jim McRitchie's. In prior year's when a candidate requested changes, staff responded: "We will not be making the changes...we do not provide any special privileges nor accommodations for any person, including our Board incumbents." Yet, an exception was made for incumbent Bill Crist. (see Sacramento Bee, 10/9/98)
PersWatch advocates moving future elections to the Secretary of State or another third party, requiring a majority to win, and denying use of the CalPERS press office or paid travel for campaign purposes.
Crist says he "fought" for Tier 1. On 8/19/98 Crist and the Board finally called on the Governor and Legislature to give all employees the option to enroll in Tier 1. What did they do earlier when the time was ripe for such a bill? Crist spent 60 days in 1997 traveling the world.
PersWatch's #1 priority is restoring Tier 1 and five year vesting. Only 20-30% of state employees will ever collect a pension from CalPERS. We deserve better. The Board should spend there time lobbying for increased benefits, not rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.
Board Members Engage in Potential Conflicts of Interest, accepting gifts from contractors and sitting on a private investment boards. Such conflicts need to stop.
Jim McRitchie petitioned the Board in February 1998 to ensure policies prohibiting political contributions would be enforceable by going through the rulemaking process. The Board, led by Crist and supported by Valdes, denied the petition. In July, the Sacramento Superior Court threw out the policies as illegal. Jim petitioned to adopt regulations banning gifts from contractors. Again, he was denied. Gifts are required to be reported, but the policy is unenforceable because Crist urged CalPERS to bypass the law and avoid the normal rulemaking process.
The Board fought Wilson's raids but then they essentially returned the money by lowering the State's contribution rate. They sold out our future so Pete Wilson could have a bigger surplus and they made balancing the budget more difficult for Gray Davis.
PersWatch advocated to keep the State money flowing so that our retirement benefits could keep pace with the raises expected under Governor-elect Gray Davis and so that money would be available to pay for increased benefits.
Crist says he works long hours, often reporting 168 hours/week. When questioned about claiming his sleep time, Crist said he dreams about CalPERS. Obviously, he is more concerned with collecting his own pay than serving members. No wonder services/benefits have eroded and health costs have increased.
Your vote in CalPERS elections makes a difference. Since only 17% are expected to vote, each vote essentially counts for 6. Get 4 of your friends to vote and you've increased your voting power to essentially 30.
Contact: 
jm@perswatch.net