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.

Election Season is On

Yesterday I received fundraising emails from both Abel Maldonado and Tim Donnelly both seeking funds for their gubernatorial campaigns. I didn’t receive an email from Governor Jerry Brown for his re-election campaign … but I have received gubernatorial fundraising emails from him in the past, so it’s just a matter of time.

Maldonado’s pitch asked donors “to support a Californian who will defend your basic right.” Maldonado, of course, is that referenced Californian. The email was complaining about the governor signing a bill “that will allow him to meet in closed-door sessions with city or county elected officials.” (more…)

Gas Tax Hike Based on Guesswork

On July 1 Californians will be forced to begin paying the highest gas taxes in the nation. They have a right to be angry and demand explanation from their elected officials.

I too am upset and frustrated by this tax increase, which stems from a complicated law known as the ‘fuel tax swap.’

The goal of the fuel tax swap wasn’t good tax policy. Instead, its sole purpose was to allow the Legislature to move more than a billion dollars in gas tax revenues into the state’s General Fund. (more…)

A New Day for Los Angeles

On July 1, the City of Los Angeles will see the most significant turnover of leadership in a dozen years. This turnover should bring new hope and a renewed energy for engagement in the civic arena. I have had the honor of working with many elected leaders across the country in my 40 years representing the business community. Getting a good start is important, which is why I offer our newly elected officials this bit of unsolicited advice:

  • Lead as if you can only serve one term — Decide now what you would like to be known for at the end of four years. Many elected officials get in the habit of simply responding to one crisis after another. Set a handful of critical priorities and drive toward accomplishment. (more…)

Is Prop 8 Ruling a Wellspring for New Initiatives?

The United States Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 8 just might bring about new initiatives not only on the pro and con side of the gay marriage argument but also from third parties concerned about the initiative process.

Before the decision even came down to uphold the lower court’s decision for lack of standing by those who defended Prop 8 in the court, reports circulated that gay rights supporters would put up an initiative to affirm gay marriage if the court did not. While that course seems less likely now given a decision that will allow for the continuation of gay marriages in the state, supporters of gay marriage still might like to see Prop 8 wiped off the books by another vote guaranteeing that gay marriage applies to the entire state. One theory is that the ruling may only apply to Alameda and Los Angeles Counties, where the plaintiffs in the case live; although both Governor Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris say the entire state is covered. (more…)

U.S. Supremes to California: Keep Your Craziness Out of Our Courts

Within minutes of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Prop 8, supporters of the initiative process expressed worry that the process had been weakened by the court’s decision that Prop 8’s sponsors lacked standing to bring a case.

I’ve just finished reading the ruling and dissents, and it’s clear that worry is overblown. The court’s message, if it could be distilled to a sentence is this: California, please keep your crazy initiative business out of the federal courts.

The ruling explicitly states that initiative sponsors retain the right to defend their initiatives – but they can do so only in the California courts. The court says that the state of California can’t decide for the federal courts who has standing, and that there is no precedent for allowing initiative official proponents to defend initiatives in the federal courts. (more…)

Will LA 2020 Commission Hang Our City’s Dirty Laundry?

The City of Los Angeles intends to offer $1.325 billion of Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes.  The proceeds from these notes will be used to prepay the City’s $945 million contribution (almost a $100 million increase) to the City’s two seriously underfunded pension plans and to finance its day to day operations for the next 11 months.

These highly rated Notes are being offered to the public pursuant to an Official Statement, which, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, needs to be true and complete in all material respects.  This disclosure requirement also applies to elected officials, including Our Dear Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa.  (more…)