State Chamber

I write this article two days before Californians go to the polls to vote on the ballot measures concerning the state budget. Regardless of the outcome the State of California will continue to struggle with budget related issues for years to come. One of the potential short-term solutions that has been put forward is “borrowing” from local cities and counties to help balance the budget.

The Salinas City Council unanimously passed a resolution that rejects that scenario. It would force the City to immediately reduce its budget an additional $4.8 million dollars in the coming fiscal year. It is difficult to imagine a scenario that avoids layoffs including public safety personnel.

The California League of Cities has also responded. They are spearheading a Save Your City movement and asking local communities to contact state representatives to look for other solutions than “borrowing” dollars. They rightly point out this maneuver will simply increase the State’s debt, compound local problems and perhaps most importantly…. not even solve California’s problem!

I believe one of the necessary solutions is for all California residents to encourage their state representatives to begin a “New Dialogue” that really does put everything on the table for discussion. I don’t pretend to have all of the answers but would share an observation since I have held elected office. I am skeptical of those who maintain a genuine effort to put “everything on the table “ has taken occurred.

The discussion needs to move beyond more taxes versus too much spending. There is a value to good government services. But there are a few keys areas that I believe the public wants clearer answers. All levels of government need to be thorough and transparent conversations about pensions and benefits. Salinas has taken steps through employee contributions to address that issue. The public sector at all levels needs to put that issue on the table and only elected officials can address it. All benefits need to be based on realistic economic scenarios that are sustainable.

We need to confront the costs of a flawed prison system and how it appears to breed crime. We certainly have seen the painful results of that in Salinas. It is neither a pleasant or easy topic but is driving up costs and eroding the quality of life throughout the entire state.

I think most local officials would agree that the problems with the State have deteriorated to the point that there is no way around a dramatic change in the way the State does business. I believe that a City Council should stay focused on its core mission of City services and programs. However, the state’s difficulties are clearly disruptive to cities, counties, and School districts all represented by a elected officials with public accountability.

I believe the time has come to seriously look at the State holding another Constitutional Convention. I believe only a new state government paradigm that shifts more dollars and control into local “regions” is affordable and tenable over time. There is a role for Sacramento but the current business model hasn’t worked, isn’t working and shows little promise of doing so.

I would even propose that Constitutional Convention be held at the site of the State’s first capital…Monterey. Monterey was also coincidently the site of the first Constitutional Convention. I think an ocean breeze, some Monterey County wines and Salinas Valley salads might just be what the State needs to think a bit more clearly!