Contact:  Tom Albro
 Chair of the Municipal League
206-930-4004

Because the proposal gives too much authority to the beneficiaries of the program over the setting of benefit levels and would significantly increase costs to local governments, the Board of Trustees of the Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 790.  If passed, the initiative would require a majority of program beneficiaries on the board of the state pension program that serves retired law enforcement and fire protection officers and specify certain financial ratios affecting its the administration.

“This initiative goes too far in giving the beneficiaries control of the LEOFF pension plan,” said Tom Albro, Chair of the Municipal League. “Fire fighters and law enforcement officers deserve a voice in setting policy for this program, but the process set up in this initiative would make it very difficult for the legislature to ensure equity with other state pensions and control of the cost of the program.”

The Municipal League annually reviews measures that will appear on the ballot at primary and general elections.  The Trustees select measures for study that will affect King County communities or have a significant impact on local government within King County. Volunteer study committees interview proponents, opponents and independent advisors and review available material bearing on the issue.  Members of the committee are not active in support of or opposition to the measure. The committees make recommendations to the Trustees who, after review, determine the League’s position by a two-thirds vote. 

The Trustees of the Municipal League of voted to oppose Initiative 790 at their regular monthly meeting on October 21, 2002.