California Political Reform Round Up

BASS EXPANDS ON TAX REVIEW: The incoming California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass explains her plans for a tax reform commission in an interview with the Associated Press. Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the governor, is quoted as saying that the governor is interested in tax reform but it's "not a substitute for reforming our broken budget system." Yes, and no. Clearly, the state budget process needs procedural changes, and there are strong arguments for establishing a real reserve and an ability to respond more effectively to changes in revenue. But the main failed attempts at spending-side budget reform suggests that budget reform may not be possible without tax reform.

NUNEZ PROPOSES COUNTER-MEASURES: Speaker Fabian Nunez, at his final news conference in that job, rolled out his three part plan of ballot measures. But there's considerable cynicism about the measures, particularly a redistricting one that looks like it has little purpose than as a weapon against Gov. Schwarzenegger's initiative, which appears headed for the November ballot. Nunez's reapportionment reform would create a 17-member commission to handle redistricting; 8 of the members would be appointed by legislators. Schwarzenegger's plan calls for a 14 member panel of citizens, chosen at random. Nunez's other proposals include a ban on fundraising at certain points in the legislative calendar and a measure nearly identical to the term limits initiative he unsuccessfully backed in February.

ANGELIDES BACKER GIVES TO ARNOLD REDISTRICTING: The Sacramento developer Angelo Tsakopoulos, a major donor to the 2006 gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Phil Angelides, has given $25,000 to the redistricting reform initiative backed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. Opponents of the measure have been harping on the long list of Republicans backing it. So the backing of a prominent Democrat is worth more than the amount of cash. In other redistricting news, signatures were submitted on Tuesday.