Retired Firefighter Disputes Claims About LEOFF 1 Pensions

Brian D. Kendall urges voters to focus on facts and democratic norms over political rhetoric.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

In a letter to the editor, Brian D. Kendall, a retired firefighter in LEOFF 2, disputes claims made by Nancy Churchill in a recent column published by Clark County Today. Kendall states that LEOFF 1 is not being "ended" as Churchill claimed, and that the benefits remain fully intact. He also refutes Churchill's claim that Democrats "skimmed four billion dollars" from the fund, stating that the amount moved was $2.5 billion and the plan remains funded at roughly 110%. Kendall expresses concern over the pattern of rhetoric used by Churchill, which he says frames routine fiscal decisions as "theft" and labels fellow Washingtonians as "despots", and he urges voters to support candidates who respect democratic institutions, tell the truth about elections, and work within the rule of law.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the ongoing debate around public sector pensions and the importance of basing political discourse on facts rather than exaggerated claims. It also touches on the broader issue of the need for political leaders who respect democratic norms and institutions, which is a growing concern for many voters.

The details

In her recent column, Nancy Churchill made several claims about LEOFF 1 that Kendall says are inaccurate. Specifically, Kendall states that LEOFF 1 is not being "ended" and that the benefits remain fully intact. He also disputes Churchill's claim that Democrats "skimmed four billion dollars" from the fund, stating that the amount moved was $2.5 billion and the plan remains funded at roughly 110%. Kendall expresses concern over the rhetoric used by Churchill, which he says frames routine fiscal decisions as "theft" and labels fellow Washingtonians as "despots". He argues that this type of rhetoric is designed to frighten people and is not grounded in fact.

  • The letter was published on March 2, 2026.

The players

Brian D. Kendall

A retired firefighter in LEOFF 2 who is disputing claims made by Nancy Churchill about LEOFF 1 pensions.

Nancy Churchill

The author of a recent column published by Clark County Today that made claims about LEOFF 1 pensions that Kendall says are inaccurate.

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What they’re saying

“LEOFF 1 is not being 'ended,' as she states. That is false. The benefits remain fully intact, and the bill she references does not eliminate the plan or reduce the pensions of any member or surviving spouse.”

— Brian D. Kendall, Retired Firefighter (clarkcountytoday.com)

“She also claims that Democrats 'skimmed four billion dollars' from the fund. Not true. The amount moved was $2.5 billion, and even after that transfer, the plan remains funded at roughly 110%.”

— Brian D. Kendall, Retired Firefighter (clarkcountytoday.com)

What’s next

The letter does not mention any specific next steps, as it is focused on disputing the claims made in Nancy Churchill's previous column.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the importance of basing political discourse on facts rather than exaggerated claims, and the need for political leaders who respect democratic institutions and norms. It also underscores the ongoing debate around public sector pensions and the need for transparent and responsible budgeting decisions.