President’s Perspective – June 2026
Preface and Disclaimer
The President’s Perspective is a monthly collection of information, thoughts, opinions, and observations of the President of CMERA, Chuck Cullen. The statements and opinions expressed in the President’s Perspective are my own and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.
Fairness Hearing
Judge William Barret held a fairness hearing on May 18th to consider pension fund formula changes to the CSA. With the change, the City will place $50M in the fund now and increase their annual contribution to the fund. The City will also add an additional $1.5M annually for about 33 years ($50M maximum). For the next four years, current employees will have an additional 0.25% deducted from their pay for retirement.
The judge, after considering all positions, accepted the changes and ordered them to be included in the revised CSA.
CMERA Election
Nominations are now being accepted for the positions of Vice President and Secretary. Both positions are part of the Executive Committee. The Vice President assists the President while the Secretary takes minutes during Executive Committee meetings and preserves important documents. The current Secretary has informed the Committee that she doesn’t intend to run for another two-year term. If you want to become more involved in CMERA, here is the perfect opportunity. Send an email to: Hello@cmera.org to be placed on the ballot (or if you have a question).
General Meeting Summary
In case you weren’t there….The spring meeting of CMERA took place on Saturday May 9th. If you were unable to attend, the video of the meeting is available on our website. Just click-on the “Meeting” icon on the home page. Besides information about the fall 2026 meeting, there is a link to the spring meeting.
Email Newsletter
CMERA is trying to determine how many members would prefer to have their newsletter sent to them as an email attachment. Once we have a better understanding of how many members prefer this method, we can then determine if and how we can accomplish this project. So far, 12 members have requested the emailed version. If you want your newsletter by email, send an email message to: hello@cmera.org. For those who prefer receiving the newsletter by mail, don’t worry. We have no plans to discontinue that method.
Refreshed Website
The refreshed website is now operational. Take a look at: www.cmera.org. Important information is now easier to locate. Just click on the icon that represents the information you seek. No more hunting through menus. If you have any suggestions for pour website, let us know at hello@cmera.org.
Member Resources
The updated website has a listing of contacts for services for our members. If you have any suggestions , send them to: hello@cmera.org
Job Security
One day in May, I traveled downtown for a meeting at City Hall. Since I retired 25 years ago, each new trip downtown is an adventure. This time, I encountered the expanded Convention Center occupying my usual path along Sycamore. So, I took a detour and traveled along 6th Street only to find the 6th Street Garage being demolished. Then I go to 7th Street and enter the Gramercy Garage. The entry gate and ticket dispenser were gone. They were replaced with a camera and a sign. Once parked, I had to use the posted QR code to open an app, then enter my license number, anticipated duration, and payment information. It was not easy to hold the phone and retrieve a credit card from my wallet. Another camera observed my exiting. A mystery person (seems no one was present in the garage), then compared my time in and out with the payment. I miss the Parking Attendants!
False Prophets
Unfortunately, the local news media has reported several instances of ministers being associated with inappropriate behavior with minors. It seems religious leaders from other nations also face charges of illegal activity. Police in Sri Lanka arrested 22 Buddhist monks upon returning from vacation with almost 250 pounds of marijuana hidden in their luggage.
Has Your Contact Information Changed???
Let us know if you change any of your contact information. The City does not share contact information with CMERA. Send any changes to: hello@cmera.org
Until next month…