Ken Ardon received a PhD in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1999, where he coauthored a book on school spending and student achievement. He taught economics atPomona College before moving to Massachusetts, and, from 2000 to 2004, Dr. Ardon worked for the state of Massachusetts in the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. Since 2004, he has been an assistant professor of economics at Salem State College.
It seems to make sense to support pension reforms beginning with the recommendations:
* Centralize all public pension assets in a single trust
* Enhance oversight of local pension systems.
I am also currently wondering what the status of termination benefits for pensions is and what safeguards have been implemented to prohibit future abuses?
From the MassInc website, “Cahill says the lawmaker perk is one that has to be changed. “It bothers me because termination means termination,” says Cahill. “Quitting or leaving is not being terminated.” A broader question asked by Cahill is whether termination benefits should be available at all to those who have opted to pursue high-profile positions in state government, whether elected or appointed, that make no pretense of promising job security. The termination provision was established in the early 1950s, apparently to protect mid- and low-level career civil servants from sudden changes in the political winds on Beacon Hill. But it has become a cash cow for many who have worked their way into high state positions, including former state legislators and top-ranking political appointees.”
Anyone have an update on pension abuse reform?
puts out a lot of good stuff that is basically common-sense, centrist, anti-hack reform. status quo folks just try to respond by singing “right wing, right wing” — which, in MA, is often enough to damage their cred, though they’re working on it.
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what do you think of tim cahill? i find his endless stream of self-promotional ads (supposedly about getting citizens to check the “unclaimed property” registry) to be precisely the cheezification of gov’t that drives me nuts.
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on the other hand, he (?) may actually care about the shocking $ waste in MA.
He is a politician, no doubt. The name recognition stunts are no different (really) than Shannon O’Brien’s or anyone else looking for higher office. The Red Sox trophy to every town was a big hit with the crowds but they could have executed the ‘tour to trophy’ with a little thought about budget for the minions who traveled far and wide on the state payroll. But that’s petty stuff. My gravest concern is the investment funds that he chooses to manage the state funds. Why is there not more disclosure about the funds? Who, what and were is the Commonwealth investing with? Any socially responsible investing going on? Since he has managed so much money back into Massachusetts banks isn’t it time to have the banks quit the gouging with fees? Does it always have to be a give to the financial industries?
He has accomplished a lot and the school building assistance reform was desperately needed. Ebay for lost property is fun if you haven’t checked it out yet.
He has depth and cred. [http://www.mass.gov/…] Frankly, I was surprised when he didn’t run for Governor. Maybe he just likes playing with money…plenty of time for him to make some moves, let’s hope they keep the performance levels high.