A Letter to the Governor and State Legislators on the Budget

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger and the State Legislators,

Please permit me to help you with the $14.7 billion (and growing!) budget deficit. But first, a little history of my fairly long experience with the Golden State may be helpful.

California was a wonderful state to grow up in during the 1950's and 1960's. Nothing seemed impossible! The first-class elementary and secondary school system routinely ranked at the top of the nation's schools. The California Master Plan for post-secondary education created the California Community College, California State University and University of California systems, a model recognized world-wide. Cities built vibrant museums, libraries, and other cultural centers. Our agriculture fed the world. State parks were created and dams and other critical infrastructure permitted people to live, work and travel anywhere in the State.

Then, beginning in the 1970's, came the establishment of a full-time legislature, the rise of special interest micromanagement of the state budget through various ballot propositions (beginning with Proposition 13 and accelerating exponentially since), a gerrymandered legislature resulting in safe seats for both parties (exacerbated by a Constitutional requirement that the State budget receive a two-thirds super-majority vote for enactment).

I love California, but I am very worried about its future. You, our elected representatives, seem incapable of moving beyond narrow, parochial political interests to achieve the common good that was a hallmark of those part-time legislators of years ago. Compromise is out, and political ideology is in. And while you are in Sacramento debating these issues, those of us at the local level--whether families, businesses, special districts, cites, or counties--simply cannot wait.

I suggest that you first solve the immediate budget crisis by making painful program cuts while also instituting equally painful increases in taxes and fees. These budget adjustments can and should be a short-term fix. While unpleasant, Californians will understand. The major fix, however, requires the establishment of a Constitutional Convention to make the long-term changes that will prepare California for the 21st Century.

While it is probably unrealistic to recreate the Golden State of the 1950's and 1960's, I am willing to do my part to right the "listing ship" by sending the State Treasurer a check for $100 to help with the short-term budget fix before you embark on the long-term fix necessary to establish Golden State II. And, if you can make a cogent case as to why you need more of my limited income, I will willing to send it.

I believe that Californians care very much about this State and are willing to make sacrifices for the common good. Your side of the bargain, however, is a promise to make the short-term fix to eliminate the debt while at the same time beginning the more arduous task of initiating a State Constitutional Convention to prepare your 18 million (and growing!) constituents for Golden State II.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a (Happier!) New Year.

Brian Calhoun



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