REDISTRICTING NOT DOA? WE’LL SEE
Just when we thought that redistricting reform was completely dead, yesterday Senate President Don Perata injected one last chance for an opportunity for voters to be able to shift the process away from a self-interested legislature to a non-elected panel. While I am not too hopeful that the Assembly will follow suit under the iron-hand of Fabian Nunez, we can certainly encourage him to do so. Today, State Senator Roy Ashburn, the Republican co-author (along with Democrat Alan Lowethal) of the bi-partisan redistricting reform bill has penned a great column for the FlashReport, and it leads the news on the main page.
ANGELIDES ENTERS "DESPERATION MODE"
In what is his latest attempt in an unsuccessful series of attempts to ‘reinvent’ himself, Democrat Gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides released a ‘new plan’ yesterday that calls for billions of dollars in increases in taxes (at least he is sticking to his consistent theme there) but now includes in it a ‘tax cut’ for the middle class. Does ANYBODY really think that Phil Angelides will institute a tax cut of any kind?
You can imagine the group of advisors sitting around Phil in some fancy restaurant (you know the kind, where the portions get more expensive as they get smaller, and everything you order comes on a little pile of polenta with designs on the plate made from drizzling balsamic vinegar), and they all decide that it is time for Phil to propose a tax cut. "It’s bold" they say to themselves, and it certainly isn’t true, they shrug. But at this point, why not? The only time Phil Angelides has ever supported paying less taxes is when he would go to elaborate lengths to shield his own considerable fortune from being taxed.
LITTLE BLUE PILL NO MORE
The Capitol Weekly is reporting that next week may mark the launch of a Democrat blog on California politics — which would provide some much needed companionship for the FlashReport in the marketplace. I actually look forward to the site’s launch. My biggest hope is that, like over here, the "Majority Report" will be run by true liberal ideologues so that we can have spirited debates that really contrast the ideas and policies of the left and the right.
THE GOLDEN PEN AWARD: DAN WEINTRAUB
Dan Weintraub spoke with Democrat Assemblyman Dave Jones who used to be a Sacramento County Supervisor. Jones opposes the "Great Maloof Spoof" where the voters impose a sales tax on themselves (and visitors) to subsidize the billionaire Maloof brothers, owners of the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise. It’s definitely worth a read!
JOE JUSTIN – A CLASS ACT
I would like to close today’s Commentary by expressing my appreciation to Joe Justin. As loyal FR readers know, Joe was one of our original blog team members when we launched the site late last year. His contributions to the success of the FlashReport have been tremendous. Recently Joe decided that he would be ‘moving on’ to other challenges, and so he will not be blogging on this site (as a regular contributor) anymore. Joe, THANK YOU for being a part of the team, and you will always be welcome here. You are class act — honorable, insightful, funny and gifted with your writing. We may find another "Sacramanto Area Correspondent" – but that won’t replace you…
Have a great day!
Jon
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