Free Republic

GOV. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Year of Reform" came and went without any discernible change to the status quo in 2005. The state Legislature remains unduly polarized, captive to special interests and unwilling to take on many of the most complex and daunting problems facing California. Schwarzenegger's "reform" effort morphed into a piecemeal package of worthy (independent redistricting), seriously flawed (a rigid budget formula) and transparently politically motivated (restrictions on union fundraising) measures that were all shot down by voters in November. There were two overriding messages from the electorate. One was disenchantment with Schwarzenegger and his "I-am-king'' bravado of the moment....

SACRAMENTO — In their last year in the Assembly, the bipartisan duo of Democratic Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla of Pittsburg and Republican Keith Richman of Northridge say they have finally hit on how to make politics work again for an ailing state and disgusted voters. The concept, imported from Canada, comes after a series of failed state government-revamp proposals. It seems simple but challenges the status quo embraced by many of the politically powerful — form a Citizens Assembly of regular people to suggest to voters reform of everything from redistricting and term limits to campaign finance and open primaries. "Should...