http://www.reformcal.com/cms/index.php?page=citizen-legislature-project
In 1966 Californians drastically revised their state constitution and transformed the existing part-time legislators into full-time, 24/7, career politicians. BIG mistake.
The Founding Fathers never intended the position of state or federal elected representatives to become a full-time job. They knew that officials living far away from constituents lost a connection to the very people they were elected to represent.
In those days, ordinary citizens were elected, met for some time to take care of state business, and then returned to their regular lives in the community. These "Citizen Legislators" had to return to their communities and face the wrath of, or receive the praise from, their neighbors. It kept them on the straight and narrow. They would certainly see their neighbors at the grocery store, sit next to them at church or temple, watch their kids play Little League together and these politicians would have to justify their votes and actions. They were held accountable and there would be no place to hide from community scorn if they abused their power.
Think that only worked in the "good old days"? Think again. Today, 42 states, including some of the largest (Texas, New York, Florida) still have part-time State Legislators. But not California. Ours go to Sacramento and settle in, earning $113,098 (the highest of any state) plus per diem for every day in session. Once there, they have a lot of time to fill so they have to justify their existence by sitting around thinking of new laws to foist upon the citizens. You know. They just want to "help" us.
Let's help ourselves instead. Citizens for California Reform is a non-partisan political action committee formed to pursue a part-time state legislature, limited government, and increased transparency. Certainly the idea has merit and considering the mess California is in, how could it be worse?
An initiative proposal has been filed. Let the debate begin!
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Lovely post, beginning from the founders, thank you. My 2 cents is that a crappy gov whether part time or full, is still a crappy gov. Still, cutting their terms may have some merit, pressuring for results in a few months, rather than bloviating for 12 months of the year and getting little GOOD done for our state.
ReplyDeleteYou could also cut their salary's to average in US, which is about $40,000/yr, perhap eliminate the per diem for meal, build them a cafeteria for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As well, use the local Army barracks for over night stays, when necessary, and thereby eliminate the PD for housing. These cuts would be a good start.
Oh, I forgot, there staff's must work at minimum wage. Have you seen the stuff about the new leader of state senate, forgot the name, his head staff member is getting a raise to near $200,000/yr, no doubt with benefits worth another $50,000 or so.
Okay, a part time legislature with appropriate salary/benefits, eg equal to what they are worth, eg not much. I'm with you, thanks again.
I appreciate your comments and suggestions! Thanks for reading my sporadic posts, Dagney
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