Leadership Summit

To see the videotape of the Leadership Summit and view power point presentations from the evening’s discussions, go to:

http://marin.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=27

Marin Voice: This is your chance to get involved in reshaping state government

By Susan Adams, Shawn Marshall and Bruce Abbott
Posted: 12/09/2009 12:07:41 AM PST

A MAJORITY of California voters believe the state constitution is in need of fundamental change, according to a Field Poll, a respected and generally accepted poll of California opinion.

More than 59 percent of voters want a constitutional convention to fix how state government operates. In recent years these voters have witnessed the paralysis of the legislature and governor on all fiscal matters.

The inability to pass a rational budget that is not dependent on trickery and false promises must end. These stalemates have resulted in a series of unprecedented cuts that threaten education and vital services and an assault on the local budgets of our county and municipal governments.

A number of groups have already started working on solutions to the structural problems of our state's financial governance. In October, 2009, a symposium on "Getting to Reform: Avenues to Constitutional Change in California" was held in Sacramento for leaders of local governments and others to review the history of reform in our state and talk about next steps.

Two organizations presented their ideas.

CA Forward was formed with the mission "to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more responsive, representative and cost-effective government." It has since developed a series of initiatives to reform California governance model.

Another group, Repair California, has been developing the idea of a constitutional convention.

Additionally the League of California Cities has begun looking at possible actions and other local and grassroots efforts.

The challenges to a reasoned approach to reform are many. The greatest challenge, is that voters want "fundamental change," but they do not want to lower the two-thirds vote to pass a budget, make any changes in Proposition 13 to allow for increased taxes by the Legislature with a majority vote or any changes in the term limits now imposed on state offices.

These issues are at the core of our governmental problems and are what need to be addressed.

With a series of initiatives, would enough of the initiatives pass to make a difference? With a constitutional convention how do we limit the scope?

Voters want to overhaul the way our government manages its fiscal responsibilities, not a general review of all social issues.

In Marin, a Leadership Summit will be held on Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the county Civic Center.

The purpose of the summit is to hear from experts on local and state governance and discuss ideas on possible ways to reform and modernize the budget process, structure, functions and finance of government operations.

The summit is being hosted by the Board of Supervisors, Marin County School Board Association, Marin Community United and the Marin County Council of Mayors and Council members.

You are invited to come listen to a discussion of questions like:

• Can California be governed under its current constitution?
• What reform is needed to provide protections to local government?
• What are the options?

Speakers will offer ideas on ways to reform and modernize the budget process, structure, function and financing of government operations. This summit is an opportunity to consider possibilities and to begin exploring a coalition effort by our local communities.

Most people agree our state government is dysfunctional. Whatever the ultimate solution, complacency is not acceptable.

These issues are too important to leave to our children and grandchildren to resolve, or live with the consequences of inaction. We must face the challenges and meet them. It will only happen if we at a local, grassroots level organize and drive change.

Susan L. Adams of Marinwood is a member of the Marin Board of Supervisors. Shawn Marshall is a Mill Valley City Council member. Bruce Abbott of San Rafael is a member of the Dixie School Board