No Phoenix pension reform until we reform the reformers

Everyone agrees that the Phoenix pension system needs reform.

Sort of.

Some people believe we should allow some of the reforms already in place to proceed for a while. Some people believe we shouldn't touch the system at all. Some people believe we should scrap the whole thing.

What we know for certain, however, is that not one of these arguments has enough backers to carry the day.

We saw that with the defeat of Proposition 487 in November. It was backed by those who most want to scrap the current system and replace it with a 401(k)-style retirement plan for new employees.

Public service unions fought contributions from corporations and more than a million dollars in dark money tied to a Texas billionaire. And won.

So now what?

The Arizona Republic's Dustin Gardiner reported Thursday on the Civilian Retirement Security Ad Hoc Committee created by Mayor Greg Stanton.

Among other things, he notes that no prominent fiscal conservatives or union representatives were included.

Won't work.

The only way there is going to be any pension reform in Phoenix is if there is some compromise. By EVERYBODY. And the only way for that to happen is for everybody to be in the room.

There will be yelling, most likely. Recriminations. Accusations. It may not even provide a solution. But it's the only thing that has a shot.

Before we can reform the pensions in Phoenix we have to reform the reformers.