CA: No Way To Govern

The "Progressive Era" in U.S. history created a series of government reforms that were designed the cut down on corruption and make the process more transparent and democratic. These were the popular referendum, the initiative and the recall. California became the model state for the implementation of these policies. That was around 1900...

Now...the system has proven that a mixture of uninformed voters, limitless (and anonymous) campaign contributions and a state run by referendum lead to contradictory results. On Nov 2nd, the voters of California, a state practically run by popular referendum, voted on two seemingly contradictory propositions. Prop 23, which was rejected, sought to postpone California's Global Warming Initiative (AB32) until unemployment was at 5.5% for more than four quarters (practically impossible, even in a healthy CA economy). At the same time, they passed Prop 26, which would make any tax defined as a "tax" and not a "fee," which means that it needs a super-majority to pass.

Here is the contradiction (article): AB32 penalizes heavy polluters by levying a fee, which is used to support cleaner forms of electricity and conservation. California approves of environmental measures. But, Prop 26 makes it nearly impossible for the regulating body (California Air Resources Board) to implement those fees. Conclusion: People like the idea of cleaner technology, but they want to make it impossible to implement it.

And, they want to make it even more impossible to govern California. Some of the waste management and toxic substance prevention groups in the CA government are supported by fees from polluters. Important measures like the Oil Spill prevention fund is supported by a fee. The transportation tax money swap that supposed to inject $1 billion into the CA economy must now be subject to a 2/3 vote. A "green chemistry" initiative to keep toxic substances from labs out of landfills needs a 2/3 vote. Offshore drilling fees, alcohol fees, cigarette surcharges, pollution prevention fees - all need 2/3 vote. Now, the supporters of Prop 26 want it implemented at the local level. Its not surprising that some of those supporters include Chevron, Phillip Morris, Anheuser-Busch and the Chamber of Commerce.

What does this create? Legal and fiscal uncertainty. The CA budget shortfall was recently projected at a high $24.5 billion, prompting the governor to hold an emergency budget session.

This is what happens when you run a government by popular referendum. Its an excuse for the legislature to not do its job, and get paid for it. Its the result of people wanting a change, but not willing to do the work to make that change. My solutions: have a part time, unpaid legislature or rewrite the California Constitution.

I have a friend who voted against ALL propositions on the ballot this year because she adamantly believes that this is no way to run a government. I'm starting to agree with her...