In this episode, Jon Fleischman takes on an issue he’s been talking about for three decades: whether part-time elected officials should receive full-time taxpayer-funded health care benefits.

Jon argues that public service on a city council, school board, or special district is meant to be part-time — and that part-time roles should not come with full-time perks. While he supports reasonable stipends for time spent serving, he questions the fairness of elected officials receiving the same health benefits negotiated for full-time public employees.

He also raises concerns about conflicts of interest, incentives to hold office for the benefits, and the growing cost of health care — including what it costs his own family in the private sector.

This episode is a direct, candid commentary on public service, compensation, and accountability — and a reminder that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s right.

This is a commentary that accompanies a written commentary So, Does It Matter? A website focused on California politics.