Golden parachute targeted - Bill limits pensions of elected officials conv

[Kadie]

Golden parachute targeted
Bill limits pensions of elected officials convicted of felonies

By Hank Shaw
Capitol Bureau Chief
Published Sunday, March 6, 2005

SACRAMENTO -- Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian wants to make sure former San Joaquin County Sheriff Baxter Dunn is the last public servant to escape censure with a golden parachute.

Aghazarian is sponsoring legislation to bar elected officials found guilty of felonies connected with their office from receiving the public portion of their pension.

Dunn pleaded guilty to mail fraud in January and faces prison time. But the 57-year-old can expect to enjoy a $140,000-a-year pension for the rest of his life.

Aghazarian said he was "shocked" to learn this and decided to do something about it.

"It's the old story -- there oughta be a law," Aghazarian said. "It shocks the consciousness that someone who violates the public trust remains on the public dole. It's a fairness issue."

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http://www.recordnet.com/daily/news/articles/030605-gn-6.php