Governor's inconsistencies may overshadow his accomplishments/ Julia Gonzales

Has the self-proclaimed “great political negotiator,” California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger known for his ability to strike an acceptable deal regarding policy most divisive issues, compromised his principles in the process? That’s the very question that many political pundits and policy makers are pondering. Will Governor Schwarzenegger’s legacy be affected by blurring the lines between being principled and overly “diplomatic” on policy? Here are the facts: While the Governor campaigned on the ills of special interest money, he later :“ became the biggest fundraiser in state history.” Moreover, while he promised budget deficit spending, vis-à-vis: “cutting up state credit cards,” he later “borrowed billions.” Similarly, while he promised “open government,” but then “let secret corporate donors pay for his travels abroad.”

Which begs an important question: are the Governor’s policy reversals politically motivated and—thus an inevitable bi-product of life as a policy maker in a highly polarized state legislature? Or does the Governor’s policy reversals suggest a more benign approach namely—that the core principles of a political novice at best--will naturally shift as he navigates the often times complicated and politically charged polarized landscape. To that end, will this “shifting nature” which will inevitably leave the Governor with for better or worse--has left him with “a record of self-contradiction and a reputation among California's polarized constituencies as a leader whose bold pronouncements may quickly be forgotten.” At the end of the day, perhaps the larger issue is not at all about the “legacy” question rather—the real issue lies with the people of California—and their anxiety and uncertainty in the Governor’s stance on the state’s most pressing issues—issues that may potentially have a strong bearing on their overall quality of life.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold28mar28,1,3952869.story

Governor artfully surprises audience/ April Johnson

He’s known as the Terminator but an artist? Who knew? Today Governor Schwarzenegger attended the California Arts Council conference at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento where the theme was “The Future – What’s Next? While the conference focused on the challenges in funding art programs in schools, the Governor pledged that more money would be made available for the arts in the future. He also added, “I promise you – I’ll be back.”

Schwarzenegger was introduced by his sister in-law CAC Vice Chair Malissa Feruzzi Shriver as a patron of the arts as well as an artist himself and a small slide show was presented on the Governor’s paintings of flowers, dolphins and cows. Citing his passion for the arts, the Schwarzenegger praised the efforts of the CAC for their creative ways of raising funds such as the license plates designed by Sacramento painter Wayne Thiebald that has raised $3 million dollars. Though California is already the lowest of all 50 states in per capita spending for the arts, the Governor concluded his remarks by promising to “fixed the state budgeting process to that cuts in the arts funding would not have to be made…”

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/capolitics/story/761358.html

Schwarzenegger Details Plans For Reforming Troubled Districts/ Sarah Montes

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be announcing his latest plans which hope to help 97 California school districts that have not being able to meet the requirements set forth by the No Child Left Behind law. Schwarzenegger wants California to be the first state in the nation to use the federal education law to turn around low performing districts.

The specific improvement plans for each of the 97 California school districts that have missed test targets for five years in a row will be released at an 11:15 a.m. press conference at Northwood Elementary School.

The specific improvement plans for each of the 97 California school districts will be released at a press conference set to begin at 11:15 a.m.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/742251.html

Mr. Schwarzenegger Goes to Washington/ JoAnne Golden

Schwarzenegger just returned from lobbying in D.C. for mortgage relief, border security, and funding for roads and levees. Congress recently changed home mortgage limits to $729,500, and the governor hopes that it is a permanent increase. He also hopes that the National Guard will supplement the Border Patrol in preventing trafficking and illegal crossings of the border. The governor requested that National Guard emergency equipment be returned to California (currently in Iraq), so California may better prepare for any floods, fires, etc. He did realize, however, that getting money for infrastructure was not “sexy.

Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_8365584

Wall Street says Schwarzenegger is overselling lottery idea/Karla Saia

With California facing a $14.5 billion budget shortfall, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has espoused privatizing the state’s lottery. He proposes leasing the lottery to the highest bidder, and has projected the windfall from the lease could reach as much as $37 billion, half of which may be paid up front.

However, several Wall Street investment banks have concluded that Schwarzenegger’s estimate might be wildly optimistic. While Lehman Brothers did valuate the CA lottery at as much as $37 billion over 40 years, other firms, such as Bear Stearns, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and others, value the lease anywhere between $7 and $29 billion, with as little as approximately $9 billion up front.

Further, legislators and citizens groups are worrying about the possibilities of having to relax state gambling laws, and that an increase in lottery ticket sales would fall disproportionately on Californians in lower-income brackets. Maximizing the lottery’s value would entail selling tickets through ATMs, cell phones, college campuses and at bus stations, thereby shifting the burden of the budget shortfall to those most financially vulnerable.

California, if it approves the plan, would be the first state to privatize its lottery.

Link: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20080219-1048-schwarzenegger-lottery.html