Learning the Hard Way: The public’s resounding opposition to Governor Schwarzenegger proposals in last month’s special election validates a point I made in an earlier column. There is a reason why this state is governed by three branches of government, the executive, legislative and judicial. This system works because it provides a delicate check and balance system between the branches, to allow public input at all levels in creating laws. In spite of the low ratings given to the Legislature, Californians are comfortable with a check and balance form of government.
Somewhere along the way, this governor decided to ignore the legislative branch because he thought his star popularity would be enough to influence voters to automatically follow his lead. But he underestimated California voters. For example, the S.F. Asian Law Caucus citywide exit poll showed 83 percent of all APAs voted against the governor.
Moving On: Since the special election, I was pleased that a state leader stepped up to the plate calling all sides to not waste another year and ?please forgive and move on? for the sake of California in 2006.
Senate Leader Don Perata (D-Oakland) has already announced that he wants to work with the governor on legislative goals for 2006. Among the goals include finding a way to hire 100,000 more teachers, finding ways to streamline regulations to reduce housing costs and passing a public works bond to improve highways, levees, ports and other deteriorating infrastructure needs that affect the quality of life for every Californian. I wish him luck because I believe people are tired of the “criticizing and blame game” and want to see a productive elected leadership working together.
More on the Governor: The governor’s trade mission to China immediately following the special election was a smart move. He’s still looked at more as a movie star than a political figure in China. Much to the chagrin of the White House, the governor’s visit coincided with Bush’s visit to China. Media attention on Schwarzenegger was eclipsed only once by the president during the now famous China incident when the president attempted to exit the stage through a closed door. Oops.
Immediately after Nov. 6, predictions were flying in the Capitol that the governor would be cleaning house. No sooner said than done. Pat Clarey was out and the former Cabinet Secretary to Gov. Gray Davis, Susan Kennedy, was in as the new Chief of Staff. Both Democrats and Republicans were in shock. However, having known Susan for many years since our days with the California Democratic Party, I think the governor is lucky to have her. She is bright, political, understands policy, is well respected and wants to help resolve partisan differences to address California’s most critical issues. I see nothing wrong with that.
Remembering 2005 on a High Note: The Angel Island Immigration Station Restoration and Preservation Act passed the House and Senate and was signed into law on Dec. 1.
This act authorizes $15 million for preservation efforts, with an equal match required from state and private funding. This National Historic Landmark symbolizes the first journey of waves of APA immigrants to this country from 1910 to 1940 and the funding would provide a huge boost in the effort to preserve this important part of American history. Special thanks to Senators Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer and Representative Lynn Woolsey. Congratulations to Daphne Kwok, executive director of this project.
And More … The move in Congress to secure $38 million for preserving sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II is making progress as the House unanimously approved the legislation in November. Demonstrating the importance of relationships in politics, the bill’s author, Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield), and former Assemblyman Floyd Mori were seatmates during their tenure in the State Assembly. Mori is now the public affairs director for the Japanese American Citizens League. Hopefully, the preservation of these detention sites will serve as a reminder of a tragic mistake in U.S. history that should never be repeated.
A Tribute to Keith Umemoto, Former DNC API Caucus Chair: After serving the longest tenure as the chair of the DNC API Caucus, Sacramento’s Keith Umemoto has decided to step down to transfer the role to businesswoman Bel Leong Hong, a DNC member from Virginia. Keith’s years of service to the California Democratic Party and the Democratic National Party continued a legacy started by his beloved father, Kaz Umemoto. Kaz was one of the first Asian democratic voices involved in party politics during the ‘60s. Keith, current executive director of CAL-OSHA and former Assembly candidate, plans to stay active to help politically empower the community he has so ably served during his term with the Democratic National Committee. Kaz would have been proud of his son’s accomplishments.