Oregon Public Broadcasting

A complicated legal question over Portland’s pension fund for police and firefighters gave way to a heated argument at city council  Wednesday.

In what supporters called a “boring” initiative in 2006, Portland voters moved certain pension and disability funds under the direction of a separate board of trustees.

In large part, it was to save money. But union leaders say that some of the trustees’ decisions have led to labor violations.

A hearings officer recently agreed. However, it was the decision to hold the city liable – rather than the fund – that got some city commissioners’ attention. Commissioner – and labor attorney - Nick Fish says that the hearings’ officer decision could undermine the autonomy of the disability fund.

Commissioner – and former firefighter – Randy Leonard blasted Fish’s interpretation. 

“This feels more like election-year grandstanding than it does trying to responsibly resolve a dispute, thus ....”  Leonard said.

“Mayor, Commissioner Leonard, I strike those words, Mayor – I strike that outrageous comment” Fish countered. Fish who was interrupting Commissioner Leonard, there, got the rest of city council to agree with him, and vote to take the decision to court.