FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

On Tuesday, April 27, our Executive Director, Bill Elkin, and I met with Mayor Bill White where several of the concerns of our HPROA members were discussed. During the approximate 45 minute meeting we were impressed with the candid manner in which Mayor White addressed our questions as we discussed the well-publicized financial difficulties which the City of Houston is projecting, partly due to retirement commitments that have been made to employees over the years.

The Mayor explained that some financial studies are still in progress, which would, of course, affect how certain options would be considered. As we expected, the Mayor offered no firm commitments regarding retirement benefits, but it is fair to say that portions of the meeting were encouraging.

Discussions regarding monetary amounts of retirees’ pension checks and city insurance benefits were the topics of conversation. Again, while portions of the meeting were encouraging, it is obvious that some items will probably be “on the table” for consideration as the city continues to struggle with its projected financial shortfall.

At the close of our meeting, I extended an invitation to Mayor White to appear before our next HPROA general meeting on Thursday, May 13, 2004. He seemed sincerely interested in doing so and assured us that, if his schedule would permit, he would be there. As soon as we get confirmation from the Mayor’s office that Mayor White can or cannot attend, I will let you know via our website. Needless to say, if Mayor White can attend our next general meeting, we need to encourage as many of our HPROA members as possible to attend.

This may be your greatest opportunity for input into possible future decisions by the city administration that may so dramatically affect our retirement system.