Lawrence J. McQuillan - California Dreaming: Lessons on How to Resolve Americas Public Pension Crisis

A PROJECT OF this magnitude is never completely the work of the author. Many others made important contributions and suggestions that improved the book.

First, I thank the peer reviewers who provided more than a half-dozen detailed reviews with ideas, insights, questions, and comments that helped refine the arguments and policy recommendations. Their decades of experience in economics, law, and public service were invaluable in providing constructive feedback.

Special thanks to Adriana N. Vazquez, a graduate in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and policy research assistant at the Independent Institute, for providing outstanding research support and help constructing the graphics. I also relied on the world-class libraries at U.C. Berkeley for some research materials. Intern Shelby S. Sullivan also provided editorial assistance for which I am grateful.

I thank several staff members of the California legislature and state pension funds for answering my questions regarding California public pension operations and legislation.

I and almost everyone in the country who is interested in public pension issues, rely on the web site PensionTsunami.com, published by Jack Dean, to stay current on pension developments in California and across the country. I don't know how Jack does it, but he provides a comprehensive and valuable service for everyone interested in pension news and pension policy.

I also thank everyone who attended my discussions on an earlier draft of the book at the Economic Roundtable of San Francisco, the Old Capital Club in Monterey, California, and the Infinity Towers in San Francisco. The talks and accompanying Q and A's helped clarify points and ultimately improved the final version of the book.

Special thanks to Norman J. Laboe who provided financial support for the book, and to Donald H. Korn who spent many hours with me discussing pension issues based on his decades of experience in financial analysis.

Finally, I am indebted to the staff of the Independent Institute: Roy M. Carlisle for shepherding the book through the production process; Gail Saari and Dawn Adams for production management and copyediting, respectively; Denise Tsui for the cover, Leigh McLellan for the layout; and David Theroux, Mary Theroux, and Martin Buerger for entrusting me with this important project.

This book was born from a love of California and a recognition that if it is to remain a place where our children and grandchildren can pursue their dreams and passions, then our generation must solve the greatest financial challenge facing the Golden Stateits crushing public pension costs.

My views and conclusions in the book do not necessarily represent those of the board, supporters, or staff of the Independent Institute.

Lawrence J. McQuillan, PhD
Director, Center on Entrepreneurial Innovation
Independent Institute
Oakland, California