October 24, 2020
An Open Letter to Residents of Palos Verdes Estates:
Just over a year ago, I was invited to make a presentation to the Palos Verdes Estates City Council regarding the city’s large, and growing, unfunded pension liabilities. I did this in my role a CEO of Retirement Security Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and ensuring the fairness and sustainability of public sector retirement plans. Our articles of incorporation and tax status require us to exist exclusively to promote social welfare. Our work is free because we are a nonprofit dedicated to our mission.
The council presentation led to action in which an ad hoc council committee was created. I was invited to participate with the committee and a broad range of stakeholders.
Within a short time, Councilmember Sandy Davidson and his wife, Joan, embarked on a campaign of disinformation and outright lies in an attempt to discredit me personally and the organization that I led. This occurred both via a whisper campaign in the community and very publicly at council meetings. These actions were deliberate and coordinated.
My public statement addressing this misinformation was submitted to the mayor and city council on October 30, 2019, along with a request that the statement be entered into the public record.
Even after this correction of the record Mr. Davidson and his wife continued to slander me by spouting conspiracy theories and additional misinformation. It is clear that their actions were taken to defame me without regard to the truth.
I was soon made aware that my experience was not unique, but rather just another example of the Davidson’s modus operandi. I was shocked to discover that they had treated taxpayers and residents of Palos Verdes Estates in similar manners. Residents have documented a portion of this online: www.SandyDavidson.org.
When I saw that Sandy Davidson was running for re-election, I knew I had a moral and ethical obligation to bring to light the despicable actions that I personally experienced, and others that Palos Verdes Estates residents had documented. That is what prompted me to make a contribution to a political action committee that could inform the electorate. I ensured my expenditure was properly reported, so that it would be clear that I funded this.
I took this action on my own accord, without the knowledge of any other persons. Serving the community as a councilmember is a privilege that should be reserved only by those with the highest levels of honesty and integrity; both traits I believe are sorely lacking in Sandy Davidson.
Now the same people have sent another mailer and email, hiding their true identity, while fearmongering. Let me be clear: I have never suggested that the PVE Police Department be eliminated. It’s just another one of their lies.
I hope the residents of Palos Verdes Estates have had enough.
Sincerely,
Pete Constant, CEO
Pivot Strategies
