Public can expect gridlock in state politics next year

With California's "year of reform" skidding off the runway because of pilot error, the cynical view of the Golden State may be the only one that makes sense: The state is dysfunctional, ungovernable and worse, the public doesn't really seem to care. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted that he bungled last month's special election. His political low standing has emboldened special interests and left legislative Democrats feeling secure that they can duck the state's toughest problems.

The year of reform will be followed by the 2006 election when almost every state office will be on the ballot. Politicians running for office will be pandering for votes, while ignoring the problems that have damaged the quality of life in California. "It's going to be shenanigans as usual," said David Schecter, a political science professor at California State University, Fresno.

One hint that Schecter is correct is a prominent listing on the California Democratic Party's Web site titled "Stop Arnold." But Schwarzenegger has bigger problems with conservative Republicans questioning his loyalty to the GOP because he named Democrat Susan Kennedy as his chief of staff. "They think Schwarzenegger has morphed into Gray Davis," Schecter said.

So this is what we have in Sacramento going into the election year: a governor not trusted by his party, not to mention the opposition party; the Democratic-led Legislature content to let public employee unions call the shots on state policy; a citizenry that doesn't want to get its hands dirty by holding either party accountable. California will continue to deteriorate unless changes are made. To get better representation, two things are needed: The state's redistricting system must be reformed and voters must pay attention.

Boren is a center-left columnits for the Fresno Bee. Reconizing the demograhic advantage for Democrats, he's always encouraging electoral participation which is a helping hand for center-left policy in California.

The people of this state will never learn until we descend into bankruptcy.

I don't mind. Better gridlock than the alternative. A pox on all their houses. They screw things up left to their own devices.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

3 posted on 12/19/2005 10:30:47 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)

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