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CA: Governor names EPA chief Tamminen as new Cabinet secretary
Bakersfield Californian ^ | 11/5/04 | Tom Chorneau - AP

Posted on 11/05/2004 6:30:30 PM PST by NormsRevenge

SACRAMENTO (AP) - In what may signal a move to broaden his bipartisan appeal, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday named environmentalist and state Environmental Protection Agency director Terry Tamminen as his new Cabinet secretary.

The two moves indicate to some a desire on the part of the governor to break with more conservative policies championed by former members of Republican Gov. Pete Wilson's staff who have dominated the first year of his administration.

"I think it is a very positive signal that he's going to be more open to a bipartisan orientation," said Barbara O'Connor, director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and the Media at California State University, Sacramento. "It's fairly clear that the governor is reaching out and declaring his independence from the Wilson people he brought in at the beginning."

Tamminen, a former Santa Monica-based environmental activist who once sued the state over ocean pollution, takes over one of the administration's most influential positions. Along with serving as the gatekeeper of access to the governor, the Cabinet secretary is also a member of the governor's senior staff and traditionally one of the most trusted aides.

"It's an extremely influential position," said Roger Salazar, a Sacramento-based Democratic consultant and a former spokesman for Gov. Gray Davis. "Often times, the Cabinet members don't talk to anyone but the Cabinet secretary just because of time constraints."

In a statement, Schwarzenegger called Tamminen a "bold and innovative counselor to me as a CalEPA secretary" and "a tremendous advocate to translate my vision for California. I look forward to his guidance and advice as we work together with my Cabinet secretaries to shape policy that benefits all of California."

Tamminen replaces Marybel Batjer, a former member of Wilson's staff and chief of staff to Nevada's Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn before joining the Schwarzenegger administration.

Campbell replaced Donna Arduin, a former fiscal manager for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who was also considered one of the most conservative members of Schwarzenegger's staff.

As chief of the EPA, Tamminen has been instrumental in shaping Schwarzenegger's environmental platforms, which has won high praise among conservationists.

Bill Magavern, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club said while they were very happy that Tamminen had been elevated to a position of greater influence, his group is concerned about who replaces him at the state's environmental agency.

"We'd want to see someone who brings the same commitment and strength to the job," said Magavern.

Salazar also suggested the two appointments show the governor's desire to mend fences with Democrats - who after Tuesday's election still hold big majorities in both houses of the Legislature. But business leaders said they are not too concerned.

"I don't see any change in policy," said Allan Zaremberg, president of the California Chamber of Commerce. "From my perspective, the governor ran on a platform for improving the economy last year and I don't see him wavering from that position at all. The governor makes the policy, the staff carries it out."

Zaremberg added his praise to the appointments of both Tamminen and Campbell, saying both were well-qualified and committed public servants.

---

On the Net:

http://www.governor.ca.gov/state/govsite/gov-homepage.jsp

Gov.'s Home Page


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; Politics/Elections; US: California
KEYWORDS: cabinet; calgov2002; california; governor; governorgreen; names; schwarzenegger; secretary; tamminen
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To: SierraWasp

OH god just the thought alone. Yuck.


21 posted on 11/05/2004 7:29:23 PM PST by farmfriend ( In Essentials, Unity...In Non-Essentials, Liberty...In All Things, Charity.)
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To: calcowgirl

Well, he's absolutely out of touch with so many small business people being brutalized by CA GovernMental/EnvironMental regulations to levels of absurdity not previously known in the anals of history!!!


22 posted on 11/05/2004 7:31:21 PM PST by SierraWasp (Discredited Democrats... Concede already!!! Discredited MSM... Project already!!! New Media Rules!!!)
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To: FairOpinion; Carry_Okie
Tamminen was with the Santa Monica Baykeeper organization which is part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Waterkeeper network. You can find them all over the nation pulling that kind of cr*p. Baykeepers, Soundkeepers, Riverkeepers, etc.

He also headed a foundation called "Energy Independence Now."

From a 1993 article:

Baykeeper also recently joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council in a lawsuit against Caltrans, accusing it of failing to reduce toxic storm-water runoff into the bay.

Tamminen and attorneys for the environmental legal group are making use of a provision of the state Clean Water Act that empowers citizens to sue violators where there is noncompliance and where the governmental agency does not enforce the law. The attorneys allege Caltrans is allowing harmful pollutants, including toxic heavy metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, to run into storm drains and pollute Santa Monica Bay.


23 posted on 11/05/2004 7:35:33 PM PST by calcowgirl
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To: SierraWasp
Well, he's absolutely out of touch with so many small business people being brutalized by CA

I could never figure out what a state chamber of commerce actually does, other than lobby. I assume it is just an umbrella group of all the local chambers? He has no experience in actually running a business, other than his lobbying business I suppose. He's not the guy I would chose to be my champion!

24 posted on 11/05/2004 7:41:02 PM PST by calcowgirl
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To: FairOpinion
I was hoping that Arnold will start to trend towards more conservative agenda, not more liberal one.

Why don't you call Arnold and tell him how disappointed you are...

25 posted on 11/05/2004 7:43:37 PM PST by tubebender (If I had know I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself...)
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To: calcowgirl
On a positive note (I think), after a 9 month search, a long time democrat and 'savvy' transportation ex-lobbyist fella, Will Kempton, from the Bay Area was appointed to head CalTrans by the Gub. He gets the enthusiastic backing of Tom as a get things done and roll over the bureaucrats kind of person.
26 posted on 11/05/2004 7:44:45 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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To: NormsRevenge
from the Sac Bee today too..

State's lobbyist to step down -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "collectinator" in Washington, D.C., will leave his administration in January to work on behalf of the governor's other love - the movie industry. Stacy Carlson, a Bakersfield native and Republican activist, has worked since January as California's chief lobbyist, trying to fulfill the governor's oft-stated pledge to bring back more federal dollars to the state.

I thought Boxer and Feinstein were supposed to be doing what this guy was doing? silly me.

27 posted on 11/05/2004 7:47:22 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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To: tubebender; calcowgirl; Carry_Okie

And here is some good news about Arnold:

Tom Campbell, UC Berkeley business school dean, to lead state’s Department of Finance
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1270786/posts

Also see post #16.

To: ElkGroveDan; calcowgirl; farmfriend; Carry_Okie; SierraWasp; NormsRevenge; Amerigomag; ...
Dan, you have it wrong. I know Tom Campbell, personally and have debated him publicly. He is a man of intelligence and integrity. His National Taxpayers Union rating while in Congress was an "A". He opposes higher taxes and strongly argues for limited government. Although I disagree with him on a variety of issues having little to nothing to do with this appointment, selecting him as finance director was an excellent choice by Arnold.
Yes, this is one time I can praise Arnold without reservation. That it is so rare should tell you something.


16 posted on 11/05/2004 4:29:48 PM PST by Carry_Okie

=======

The bottom line is that Arnold certainly does some things which are tending liberal, BUT he does have a laser focus on gettin CA's fiscal house in order.

What we need to keep asking, is "What would Davis or Bustamante have done?"

Arnold does 60% thing very right, 20% not great, 20% really irritating, but the 60% he does right are really important things.

Davis or Bustamante would do 100% of things that are destructive to CA.

So overall, no matter how you view it, Arnold is still way ahead, and we should be happy he is governor, not Davis or Bustamante.

You can't keep comparing his performance to an ideal conservative, who couldn't get elected.

In the real world, much as I als disagree with a number of things Arnold has done, you have to realize that he is fixing the major problems in CA.


28 posted on 11/05/2004 7:50:06 PM PST by FairOpinion (Thank You Swifties and Vets for Fighting for your Country and Defeating the Enemy Again.)
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To: NormsRevenge
On a positive note (I think) ... Will Kempton, from the Bay Area was appointed to head CalTrans

Fingers crossed! :-)

29 posted on 11/05/2004 7:53:45 PM PST by calcowgirl
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To: FairOpinion

I wish Tom Campbell well. He signed on for a 16 month stint, btw.

It wouldn't surprise me to see him leave well before then, tho. just a gut feel.

The next few months will be hell for the number crunchers,, and if Perata has his way, for taxpayers too, as he and the Rats will be pushing for tax increases to keep spending at current levels for all the state programs.


30 posted on 11/05/2004 8:03:01 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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To: NormsRevenge

Arnonld is not about to give in to the RATS on spending.


Schwarzenegger Calls Calif. Dems 'Losers'
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1271246/posts

At a Thursday news conference, the Republican governor who branded Democrats "girlie men" during a budget fight last year was asked whether he would listen to tax-increase proposals from Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata or other Democratic leaders.

"Why would I listen to losers?" Schwarzenegger asked. "Let's be honest."


31 posted on 11/05/2004 8:09:32 PM PST by FairOpinion (Thank You Swifties and Vets for Fighting for your Country and Defeating the Enemy Again.)
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To: FairOpinion; Carry_Okie
Davis and/or Bustamonte are gone, except that Lt. Governor thing for Cruz, and are totally irrelevant to the discussion! Schwarzenegger is currently the only Governor we currently have and probably the only governor we'll have for a couple more years!

We're all talking about him, not Tom, not Dick and certainly not Hairy!!! Arnold is the one that's scaring us with some of his major actions that will have this state tied in knots right after he moves on from his current position!!!

C.O. certainly has a higher opinion of Campbell that I have, but AS could certainly have done worse than Campbell, I agree! I too will reluctantly give some credit for that appointment.

And I will certainly give a little credit for AS appointing the old Democrat to the new CalTrans position. Davis appointed a Santa Clara County Supervisor who was completely unqualified and a leader in the despicable LaRaza movement!!! (see how annoying talking about Davis and Bustamonte can be?)

32 posted on 11/05/2004 8:14:59 PM PST by SierraWasp (Discredited Democrats... Concede already!!! Discredited MSM... Project already!!! New Media Rules!!!)
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To: FairOpinion
The bottom line is that Arnold certainly does some things which are tending liberal, BUT he does have a laser focus on gettin CA's fiscal house in order.

BS. Pure and simple.

What we need to keep asking, is "What would Davis or Bustamante have done?"

Not much, because the Republicans would have precluded him from either raising taxes OR selling bonds.

Arnold does 60% thing very right, 20% not great, 20% really irritating, but the 60% he does right are really important things.

Defend that unsupported assertion with data please. Either you are bloviating or you have no idea what you are talking about.

So overall, no matter how you view it, Arnold is still way ahead, and we should be happy he is governor, not Davis or Bustamante.

I would prefer that Davis was still the governor. The public would have done more to throw out the legislature because the fiscal crisis would have been real, instead of papering it over with debt.

In the real world, much as I als disagree with a number of things Arnold has done, you have to realize that he is fixing the major problems in CA.

Name five. Most of what I see is empty posturing.

33 posted on 11/05/2004 8:27:38 PM PST by Carry_Okie (There are people in power who are truly evil.)
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To: farmfriend
"The Lord Giveth...and The Lord Taketh Away."
...I assume Tamminen's appointment is our penance for having had fiscal conservative Tom Campbell being appointed as Ahnold's Director of Finance...???
34 posted on 11/05/2004 8:34:00 PM PST by Seadog Bytes (Benedict Arnold was ALSO a 'war hero'... before he became a Traitor!!!)
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To: FairOpinion; Carry_Okie
And here is some good news about Arnold:

I think the jury is out on Campbell. I've looked at his record, and I am not ready to make a judgment. I respect C.O.'s opinion very much, but I also respect that of others who have commented on his record.

I am however very curious about your post. Why are you willing to call this good news and support your contention with an opinion posted by Carry_Okie, when you seem adamantly opposed to all of C.O.'s opinions that are unfavorable to the Governor?

It seems just a tad bit inconsistent to me. Are there all one-way streets in your neighborhood?

The bottom line is that Arnold certainly does some things which are tending liberal, BUT he does have a laser focus on gettin CA's fiscal house in order.

He has a laser focus on using every move out of the smoke-and-mirror playbook that Gray Davis used. When those options were exhausted and there wasn't enough money to support his LIBERAL programs, he took an already indebted state another $18 Billion further down the path to insolvency. Your idea of getting California's "fiscal house in order" is certainly much different than mine.

What we need to keep asking, is "What would Davis or Bustamante have done?"

NO. We don't ever need to ask that question again. It is irrelevant. Here's the question to ask about Arnold's actions: "Good Move or Bad Move"? Everything else is history.

35 posted on 11/05/2004 8:37:39 PM PST by calcowgirl
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To: Carry_Okie
So overall, no matter how you view it, Arnold is still way ahead, and we should be happy he is governor, not Davis or Bustamante. I would prefer that Davis was still the governor. The public would have done more to throw out the legislature because the fiscal crisis would have been real, instead of papering it over with debt.


This is where a lot of folks get tripped up..

Better an enemy we know than an 'ally' we don't ,,, but are getting to know quickly, even as he catigates his opponents, he also has abetted them..

What a mess, huh?

36 posted on 11/05/2004 8:39:28 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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To: SierraWasp

LOL.
I guess I should have just read your post before writing my long-winded version.
I totally agree!


37 posted on 11/05/2004 8:39:36 PM PST by calcowgirl
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To: FairOpinion
Arnonld is not about to give in to the RATS on spending.

Then come next summer, as the budget battles rage and if minimal cuts are in the mix again, what will he do? Sell the state?

There ain't many options open at this point. No more local monies to raid, no pension reform or concessions looming, no backing down of support for benefits for illegals.. as more businesses move on.. to other states.

38 posted on 11/05/2004 8:47:54 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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To: calcowgirl; NormsRevenge; Carry_Okie

It's no use. She's moved on to another thread about Soros and MoveOn.org. She couldn't take our common sense and logic anymore!!!


39 posted on 11/05/2004 8:56:19 PM PST by SierraWasp (Discredited Democrats... Concede already!!! Discredited MSM... Project already!!! New Media Rules!!!)
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To: SierraWasp

Damn! Just damn. :-}


40 posted on 11/05/2004 8:58:37 PM PST by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ...... The War on Terrorism is the ultimate 'faith-based' initiative.)
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