Take California Away From the Politicians

The “Golden State” had a golden age in the late 50s and throughout the 60s.  It was made the official State Nickname in 1968.  Freeways were under construction everywhere.  The educational system was flourishing from kindergarten through university.  Industries were booming all over the state.  Los Angeles was closing in on Chicago as the largest manufacturing area in the country. The state’s population was burgeoning.

Then politics, corruption, special interests, and incompetence took control.  Added to that was Gerrymandered representation that resulted in the grid lock that has held the state in its grip ever since.  Is it no wonder that Gary Davis, past governor, was recalled.

Since Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor everything has become worse.  Even beyond the $20 billion deficit there are issues related to everything from education to water.

As things stand now the next governor will not be able to improve the way this state functions given the outmoded state constitution. The state constitution has 522 amendments and is 110 pages long.  It was adopted in 1849.  Initiatives approved by voters have tied the hands of the legislators.  As an example there is an article titled PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT LAW, and another titled MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL SALES TAX REVENUES AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT FUNDING.

Repair California, Sponsored by the Bay Area Council, a San Francisco area business group, is proposing two initiatives that will (1) “Allows voters to place question of calling a constitutional convention on the ballot.”  and (2) “Calls a limited convention to propose changes to state constitution.“

Many newspapers throughout California have given editorial support to this effort.  The Los Angeles Times has given wholehearted support to this idea.  The idea of a constitutional convention has been covered extensively in the media since the publication of Jim Wunderman’s Opinion Editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Californians have the opportunity to fix state
San Francisco Chronicle, January 3, 2010

A smart convention plan
Los Angeles Times, January 3, 2010

Anything but the best is unacceptable
Lompoc Record, December 13, 2009

Our View: Clean up mess in governance
Pasadena Star-News, December 12, 2009

This is our home.  We need to take it back from the politicians.