Republicans at Idle
Is it me? Or do California Republicans need something to do? The decision by the GOP and its backers to throw $400,000 more into a referendum of the redistricting commission’s state senate districts suggests that the California party has a serious case of boredom. And since the party can’t drink or smoke weed or watch […]
Linking East, West Should Be the New California Story
Everyone in California knows that the state needs new, improved infrastructure. But there’s big narrative to explain our needs. So let’s try one out here. When it comes to rebuilding the state, the overarching idea should be: East-West connection. Most of California’s current infrastructure was built in an era when the main political divide in […]
After 100 Years, It’s Time To Stop Bashing The Railroad
This week, Californians celebrated – or at least acknowledged – the 100th anniversary of the establishment of direct democracy: the initiative, referendum and recall. And in so doing, Californians also honored a bit of political spin that has survived a century – even though it was mostly bunk. What was that spin? That Gov. Hiram […]
Letter From Referendum: It’s My Birthday Too, Dammit!
Dear Mom, I know I’ve never been your favorite. Which is why I almost didn’t write this letter. It’s probably a waste of time. But you can only turn 100 once. And as you remember, mom, my centennial birthday is Monday. And just like always, my brother is getting all the attention. You didn’t forget […]
Will There Be Triggers on the Triggers?
Thursday night in San Jose, I moderated a discussion at the American Leadership Forum of the so-called state budget triggers – provisions that require specific cuts if, by December, estimates show state revenues running more than $1 billion short of what was in the budget. The discussion left me wondering: are we heading into an […]
Charlie, Please Be My Daddy
News item: Charles T. Munger Jr. — who spent $14 million backing campaigns to establish the citizens redistricting commission — said last week that he considers himself "a bit of a proud father" now that the commission has done its work. Reaction: Charlie, please adopt me. Because, Dad (if I may), I can guarantee you […]
Should The State Reimburse Initiative Proponents for Valid Signatures?
As Californians assess direct democracy on our system’s 100 birthday, one criticism echoes from across the political spectrum: access to the system is limited because qualifying ballot initiatives, referenda, and recalls is such a costly process. Solutions to this problem are being discussed. Some argue that permitting electronic signature gathering would reduce costs. Others suggest […]
If You’re Developing An Initiative Idea for 2012, Forget It
It’s late September, and Californians across the political spectrum, from the labor left to the good government center to the Tea Party right, are still cooking up ideas for initiatives for the November 2012 ballot. Here’s some good, if unsolicited advice: they should knock it off. Because when it comes to 2012, it’s already too […]
Nixon: China as Perry: California?
I have a sneaking suspicion that Rick Perry, for all his weaknesses, might make a pretty good president for California. That sounds nuts, given the plain fact that Perry’s values and swagger don’t fit the California mainstream. And of course, Perry has made California and its economy a rhetorical punching bag – and a target […]
5 Reasons Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Initiative Reform
Do you have ideas to offer on initiative reform? Great. Now should be your moment. The next few weeks should see public and media discussion of the process. I’ll be moderating a free, public event in San Francisco this Wednesday night (Sept. 21), with panelists from across the country and the world and political spectrum […]