Brother Ray Confronts Governor Schwarzenegger at NYC Fundraiser
In what can only be described as a fantastic turn of events, Local 1171 Brother Jeremy Ray was the only California firefighter in New York City who was able to penetrate the Governor's security perimeter and directly challenge him on pension reform at his $1,000 per plate ($80k to sponsor a chair and $10k for a "photo op") fund raiser at the swank Club 21 restaurant on Monday, March 8.
Brother Ray asked the Governor directly why he wanted to eliminate the death, disability and survivors benefit for all California firefighters. He also challenged him to explain how the defined benefit plan payouts will be funded when, after January 1, 2007, no one will be paying into the plan. The Governor provided him with the standard "no answer" answers and ended up blaming the Legislature for his destructive behavior as he leads the charge to "blow up" our retirement security. Governor Schwarzenegger had the audacity to tell Jeremy that he was a friend to the firefighters. Jeremy shot right back with, "Sir, you are NOT a friend of the firefighters!"
That Brother Ray was able reach the Governor in person is a fantastic story and is best told in his own words which will be available here soon. So...stay tuned for more later!
Click here to read the San Jose Mercury News Washington Bureau Story with JRay's quotes
Click here to read the Los Angeles Times article with JRay's quotes
(For the above stories you may have to register which is pretty painless and takes about two minutes.)
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03/09/05