I’m interviewing former Gov. Pete Wilson this evening (MONDAY JUNE 29) at 7 p.m. at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica. The event, sponsored by Zocalo Public Square, is free and open to the public.
Wilson left office more than 10 years ago, but a look at his record as governor couldn’t be more timely. There’s a conventional wisdom now that our state is ungovernable. But Wilson faced nearly all of the challenges that currently face our state – an economic downturn, the collapse of the real estate market, a cash shortage that could require IOUs, a huge budget deficit, partisan infighting. He had to battle with all the same powerful interest groups that are blamed for gridlock today. But, whatever you think of his policies, he managed to make some progress and leave his successor with a balanced budget.
Tonight, I’ll ask him to explain in detail how he did it. I’d love to see you there. And if you have any questions you’d like me to ask the governor, please let me know. You can email me at mathews@newamerica.net.