"Panetta speaks about Calif. problems" (urges Arnold to RAISE TAXES)

The Desert Sun ^ | Nov. 6, 03 | Jake Henshaw

[freedomdefender]

Veteran Democrat Panetta speaks about state problems Former White House chief of staff says bold leadership is necessary

By Jake Henshaw Desert Sun Sacramento Bureau November 6th, 2003

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SACRAMENTO -- Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger should be bold enough to propose tax increases instead of more borrowing and to push changes in term limits, veteran Democratic public official Leon Panetta said Wednesday.

...[snip] "If they don’t take advantage of the momentum that comes out of the recall election to try to do the right thing … then I think all they are doing is asking for trouble in the future," Panetta said in a speech to the Sacramento Press Club. ...[snip] To resolve the state’s budget crisis, Panetta urged Schwarz-enegger first to present a credible balanced budget for next year, then a four-year plan to get out of the current fiscal crisis as well as take such steps as establishing a reserve fund and considering a switch to a two-year budget.

By credible, Panetta said, the budget has to include a tax increase instead of more borrowing. This year’s state budget includes $18 billion in borrowing, including major bonds that are under court challenge.

"The easy path is to borrow," said Panetta, who also served as the federal budget director and now heads the Panetta Institute, a nonprofit public policy group at California State University, Monterey Bay.

He also said that to take on California’s tough problems -- from the budget to education and health care -- Schwarzenegger needs the help of experienced legislators. That means elimination of term limits or at least extension of the time the law allows legislator to serve in office. ...[snip]

[billhilly]

The same advice that Panetta offered on a daily basis when he was in Congress. The goal? A bigger government, and a smaller private sector. Say what you will, but it works for the democrats. They can still fool half of the people all of the time.

[MJY1288]

That's the standard answer to every problem a democrat faces..... "RAISE TAXES"

[Prince Caspian]

What a joke.

[John Jorsett]

The answer is to raise taxes. What was the question again?

[Tacis]

Weasel Panetta, out from under a rock! The answer is to cut wastefull spending, slash state jobs, and fix the theft. Now, the weasels in the state legislature will have to oppose what the voters wanted. Even if the continue the weasel and steal, maybe California will get so bad that in 2004, the voters will throw them all out!

[Ethyl]

Well, of course, panneta wants Arnold to fail, so he tells him to increase taxes, the way to make Reppubies fail. Arnold, Stand up to this klintoonista and kick him off your team, if he is on the team. CUT, CUT, CUT the spending. Then cut taxes, look what it has done for the US when Mr. G.W. Bush cut taxes even with all the nay sayers. Arnold, don't believe anything any demoncrapt has to say.

[Ethyl]

Especially teddy

[WaterDragon]

In the face of all contrary evidence, the Democrats insist on raising taxes. It is the one thing they are consistently dedicated to.

It's like the feminazis determined to kill every human being before it is born, or immediately afterward, forgetting that their own existence was dependent on their own parents refusing to kill them.

[freedumb2003]

We have proven we have the cajones to stop the Democrat Socialist Machine. This may look like Taxachussets, but we have drawn the line.

We have reclaled the Great Enabler and are mow in the process of removing the Socilaists' Liberal Legislation -- one insane law at a time.

The REAL California is now out - Leftists cower and snarl!

[SierraWasp]

Who ever asked that little prick for his unsolicited advice, anyway? He oughta go the way of Tony Cohwello and Fort Worthless Jim Wright, too!!!

[dalereed]

The quick way to balance the budget is to close all public brain washing centers (schools) and make public education illegal!

Then slash the state payroll by at least 50% and eliminate social programs. Make everyone earn their own way.

[Pelham]

He should raise taxes.. on the Hollywood Left. I suggest asset seizure for their crimes against American culture...

[goldstategop]

Leon Panetta seems to think the voters want tax increases and more time for politicians to add to the mess they made in Sacramento. If Arnold follows his advice, he'll be recalled faster than one can say "Ted Costa." Its exactly the wrong RX for California's situation. We need to cut taxes and reduce spending and change a sweet heart redistricting deal so we can hold our state legislators accountable.

[EGPWS]

Veteran Democrat Panetta speaks about state problems Former White House chief of staff says bold leadership is necessary

Gee, Leon, I didn't see any reference to cutting spending in your "scare tactics" dribble.

I'm shocked! (not)

[river rat]

Arnold should FIRE every State employee hired during the last couple of years..when a "freeze" should have been in place.

Then, I would be shocked if Arnold couldn't find at least a half dozen commissons or departments that should be eliminated - and fire every employee of those groups...

Then inform the Educrates that they have 90 days to reduce the non-classroom employees by at least 30% immediatly with a goal of 60% by end of 2Q04..

There must also be several "service" providing departments - that could be eliminated and the work sub-contracted out to the lowest bidder....preferably non-union.

Every division budget starts at ZERO - requiring a current justification for EVERY dollar requested in the future...

With the exception of Arnold's "staff", all hiring, salaries and promotions FROZEN until the State comes up with a budget that stays WITHIN income.....

The true measure of Arnold's worth will be evident within a very short time...

There is so much low hanging fruit to pluck -- that if he doesn't, then he is a fraud...

Any state "civil servant" who feels this is unacceptable and that their services are not being properly appreciated - is free to quit and go out into the REAL WORLD peddle their valuable services..

Semper Fi