Cortez responds to questions about his health

October 1, 2010

Former Pismo Beach police chief and candidate for county Sheriff, Joe Cortez, issued a statement Friday morning, responding to questions being raised about his health.

“I was contacted today by a local reporter asking about a medical matter during my term as Chief of Police for the City of Pismo Beach. The purpose of this release is to set the record straight on this important issue.

“In 2004, I developed a short-term irregular heartbeat. Under the law, cardio-vascular conditions are presumed to be workplace related for public safety personnel and I was obligated to report it to my employer. They in turn were obligated to ensure I received proper treatment.

“I was without symptoms but went through a series of tests and received a clean bill of health. I missed no days of work, and the temporary condition did not alter my lifestyle in any way.

“With regard to questions about the conditions of my retirement, I retired as Pismo Beach Chief in 2008. My retirement is based fully upon my years of service, and not associated with a Worker’s Compensation disability as has been alleged to the media. My retirement pension is subject to full taxation.

“Suggestions by my opponent that I am somehow physically unfit to serve as Sheriff are completely false. “