Fox and Hounds Daily Says Goodbye

With this article, we end publication of Fox and Hounds Daily. It has been a satisfying 12½ year run. When we opened in May 2008, our site was designed to offer an opportunity to those who wished to engage in public debate on many issues, especially in politics and business, but found it difficult to get placed in newspaper op-ed pages. 

Co-publishers Tom Ross, Bryan Merica and I have kept F&H going over this time investing our own time, funding, and staff help. Last year at this time we considered closing the site, however with an election on the horizon we decided to keep F&H going through the election year. With the election come and gone, and with no sense of additional resources, we have decided to close the site down. 

Fox and Hounds will live on, at least, with my articles collected in the California State Library.

On a personal note, I have spent over 40 years in California policy and politics. There have been some incredible high moments and some difficult low points. It pains me that politics too often is a blood sport, frequently demonizing the motives of opponents and using the legal system as a weapon in public discourse. At Fox & Hounds, we tried to adhere to the practice of giving all a voice in the debate, yet keep the commentaries civil and avoided personal attacks.

F&H offered the opportunity to publish different perspectives (even ones that criticized my writings!).  We had success as indicated by the Washington Post twice citing Fox and Hounds Daily one of the best California political websites and many other positive affirmations and comments received over the years.

Tom, Bryan and I want to thank our many readers and writers for being part of our journey.  The publishers of Fox and Hounds Daily believe that we added value to California and its people. We hope you agree.

For Biz & Govt: The Art of the Deal

What’s business looking for in the remaining legislative session and what kind of deals are being discussed to get there?

A number of large business organizations have offered support for funding sources to be used for transportation infrastructure purposes on one hand, while on the other strongly opposed both general and specific tax measures such as a property tax increases on commercial property (SCA 5) and making it easier to raise local taxes (ACA 4).

Some in the business community probably hope that support for transportation revenue may be balanced with other tax measures and other bills meeting a dead end. (more…)

Main Street Menace: Senate Bill 1X 1 (Beall)

While the legislature is in session, the National Federation of Independent Business/California will be profiling anti-small business bills and initiatives and the adverse effect they would have on California’s job creators. This is the second of the 2015 series.

The end of summer isn’t the only bad news in Sacramento. The Legislature is back in town beginning today – and they are attempting to increase fees and taxes yet again. One of the worst proposals from the regular session has been reintroduced in a special session dedicated to raising revenue for road repair: Senate Bill 1X 1 by Senator Jim Beall. The laundry list of tax increases and fees is unreal, and proves yet again that the majority of those representing small businesses have no clue about the impacts their proposals have on the economic engine of our state. (more…)

Why Pension Measure is in Trouble

To no one’s surprise, the backers of the measure to slash retirement security for millions of California’s public servants are squealing about the title and summary issued by Attorney General Kamala Harris last week.

Reed described it as “inaccurate and misleading.” Which is nearly identical what he said two years ago when Harris issued a similar review of the initiative.  (Reed challenged the Attorney General in Court during the last go-round. He lost.) (more…)

How LA Can Afford the Olympics

Los Angeles, the Entertainment Capital of the World, is the ideal location to host the 2024 Summer Olympics.

We have a proven track record, having hosted two of the most successful games, including the 1984 games that rescued the Olympics after the 1976 financial fiasco in Montreal.

We have established, low cost venues, including the iconic Coliseum, the Rose Bowl, Staples, USC, UCLA, and Stub Hub Center. (more…)

Republicans In Sacramento Are About To Face A Key Decision On Taxes

Will the beleaguered California Republican Party, fresh off some modest legislative pick-ups in the 2014 elections, head into the next campaign season unified, and positioned to hold those gains and perhaps make a few more? Or will the GOP limp into next year’s campaign season reeling from massive internal warfare and conflict?

The answer to this depends on whether Republicans can stand together to keep the one implicit promise of climbing out of super-minority status: namely, stopping tax increases in the legislature dead in their tracks. (more…)

More Consider the Gov. Race in 2018, but Not the Senate in 2016

The story last week that state Treasurer John Chiang is “contemplating” a run for governor in 2018 potentially expands the field in what could prove to be a very interesting and competitive race. Already announced for the seat is Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Former state controller, Steve Westly is said to be considering another run for the corner office. Other well-known names have been floated as well, including both the current and former mayors of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa and environmentalist Tom Steyer.

Democrats all.

But don’t count out a credible Republican candidate. As noted here previously, one Republican consultant said he expects a strong contender backed by influential Republican donor Charles Munger. Who might that contender be? Already discussions have focused on San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer or Fresno mayor Ashley Swearengin as possible candidates. Other possibilities include Assembly Minority leader Kristin Olsen or Pete Peterson who ran a credible race for Secretary of State. There is the perennial talk about a Condoleezza Rice candidacy. (more…)