Letter: Facts aren't political

Brian Kendall writes that disagreements about the LEOFF 1 pension debate should begin with accurate facts rather than misinformation.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, Brian Kendall challenges the misinformation in a previous column about the LEOFF 1 pension debate. Kendall argues that while people can disagree on the policy decisions, the conversation should start with accurate facts rather than false claims about the plan being 'ended,' pensions being 'taken,' or billions being 'skimmed.' Kendall states that the LEOFF 1 surplus exists because of state contributions and investments, and the plan remains funded at roughly 110% with every promised benefit secure.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the importance of basing policy debates on accurate information rather than fear-based rhetoric. Kendall emphasizes that correcting misinformation is a civic duty, not a political act, in order to have a meaningful discussion about the LEOFF 1 pension policy.

The details

Kendall wrote the letter in response to readers' reactions to his previous letter about the LEOFF 1 pension debate. Some readers assumed he was defending the Legislature's decision to transfer surplus funds, which he says he was not. Kendall simply wanted to challenge the misinformation in the previous column so readers could start with accurate facts. He argues that the LEOFF 1 surplus has never been part of any individual retiree's earned benefit, and the plan remains fully funded with all promised benefits secure.

  • The letter was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Brian Kendall

The author of the letter who is challenging the misinformation in a previous column about the LEOFF 1 pension debate.

Nancy Churchill

The author of the previous column that contained misinformation about the LEOFF 1 pension debate, according to Kendall.

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What they’re saying

“All I did was challenge the misinformation in Nancy Churchill's column so readers could start with accurate facts.”

— Brian Kendall (clarkcountytoday.com)

“The LEOFF 1 surplus exists because of state contributions and state managed investments. That surplus has never been part of any individual retiree's earned benefit. The plan remains funded at roughly 110%, and every promised benefit to every retiree and surviving spouse is secure.”

— Brian Kendall (clarkcountytoday.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the need to base policy debates on accurate information rather than misinformation or fear-based rhetoric. Correcting inaccuracies is a civic duty, not a political act, in order to have a meaningful discussion about important issues like the LEOFF 1 pension policy.