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referred to the State of Indiana as one who has chosen to explore the less expensive option of HSA plans. He wondered how the grandchildren of today's citizens would react to paying for firefighters and police officers who were promised things that their predecessors could not pay for. V. Venkatesan said that the issues remain consistent year after year — the taxpayers have no representation and the Council is fighting with both hands tied behind its back while the unions remain in control. He asked if Tier 1 medical benefits could be changed since they are not yet vested. Mr. Bartel said the question of whether retiree medical benefits can be changed for current employees is a legal matter that is not entirely clear. He explained that while Orange County negotiated with its unions to do exactly that, they are in the middle of a lawsuit regarding the matter and no clear yes or no answer has been established. Leslie Jones said she agreed with all those who have asked for a public debate on this matter. She stated that the entire community is struggling in this economy and that many have taken significant hits to their own salaries and investments but continue to pay for these exorbitant unfunded liabilities. Vice-Mayor Thorne closed the public hearing. In response to Ms. Ayala's questions, Councilmember Cook-Kallio said that she welcomes help and support from all members of the community and that each, whether they are developers, business owners, or members of union, deserve respect from the Council for the hard work that they do. She said she has taken money from developers, the Chamber of Commerce, union members, and many individuals in the community in past elections. She has not, to date, accepted money from any unions but she has accepted help from any individual who lives in Pleasanton and has offered to work on her campaign. She found it humorous that she has been accused of being bought off by the Chamber, then developers, and then unions. This speaks clearly to the fact that she is fair, has a critical mind, acts independently and makes decisions based on fact. Councilmember Sullivan said he had a difficult time understanding the position that there has been no public debate, noting that this has been the premier topic of discussion in Pleasanton over the last two years. He asked staff to identify the total number of meetings on this subject. He confirmed that there is a long-term plan, noting for Ms. Ayala's benefit that it was discussed at several meetings and adopted at a public meeting one year ago. In terms of campaign contributions, he stated that he is not running for office and has received no contributions in the last four years. He could not recall specifically, but did not believe he had received any contributions from unions prior to that. He thanked staff and LPFD for working collaboratively to try to achieve the goals set by the Council one year ago. He recognized that some members of the public may not believe there is enough progress, but said he believed it to be a balanced approach to addressing these issues while still treating employees fairly through the collective bargaining process. Councilmember McGovern said she is not running for election and that she did not seek any endorsements from unions or other representative groups in her last. She felt the negotiating process had accomplished much of what the public asked for, including the full employee contribution to the EPMC and reduced retiree medical costs. She appreciated the public's ongoing input and growing awareness and assured them that the issue has a constant presence with the Council as well. Vice-Mayor Thorne responded to an earlier question about the Council's actions at the state level and said that as a League board member, he is lobbying quite aggressively. He said that in his experience, it is more effective to work with the leadership of the Legislature and the Governor rather than with individual Assembly members and that is where the League is focusing its attention. He said he has not received, nor does he intend to accept, any union contributions as part of this campaign. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 19 August 21, 2012