Posted on 07/27/2006 8:48:12 PM PDT by calcowgirl
Last fall, when it was evident that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of reform" ballot measure package was doomed and had seriously eroded his popularity, he and his advisors began looking for a political life ring and hit upon "infrastructure" -- doing something about the state's badly neglected highways and other public facilities.
It was, in a sense, a natural choice. Schwarzenegger had assumed the governorship on a three-word slogan, "recover, reform and rebuild." The first referred to the chronically and dangerously unbalanced state budget, the second to making the political system more responsive and the third to improving the infrastructure.
Although Schwarzenegger was unable to balance the budget and his reform package was destined for voter rejection, the decision was made to plow ahead on infrastructure...
By championing infrastructure and winning legislative approval, Schwarzenegger has already reaped much of its political benefit, especially among all-important independent voters and moderates who cherish the notion of bipartisan cooperation.
... new statewide Field Poll ... The poll found support slipping for even the most popular of the bond proposals, a $19.9 billion transportation measure (Proposition 1B), from 57 percent in May to 54 percent now, while none of the others reaches the 50 percent level and the $2.8 billion housing bond (Proposition 1C), is gasping at just 33 percent.
Proposition 1E would spend $4.1 billion on levee improvements, primarily in Northern California, which could make Southern California acceptance uncertain.
It poses a dilemma for Schwarzenegger and other politicians and interest groups, such as construction companies and unions, who want the borrowing to be approved: Whether to concentrate on the measures faring the best, such as the transportation bond and $10.4 billion for schools (Proposition 1D), or continue to pursue a one-for-all, all-for-one approach that could endanger them all.
(Excerpt) Read more at scrippsnews.com ...
well, I'll blow the horn as I pass the Rosecrans exit of the 405 tomorrow...
we'll have to get together at Ponchos some Saturday for Margaritas...look for my Dad's pix on the wall. LOL
And the construction companies lining up to build in flood plains want the bonds. And the international toll-road companies want the bonds. And the Charter School businesses want the bonds. And.... the NY bankers *really* want the bonds!
The Howard Jarvis folks are going to be outgunned, BIG TIME.
True. An understatement, but very true. Ain't direct democracy grand?
Drive safe!
Margarita? Si!
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em Down Hezbullies.)
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