Redistricting is a critical part of reform

October 5, 2008

California's government should be leading the nation in enacting policies that help Californians prosper in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. Instead, we are in crisis.

Now, more than ever, we need state government that can make sound decisions on big issues. Partisanship and ideological intransigence have created stalemates and gridlock. While we need budget process reform, we also need to change the political system to encourage and reward elected leaders for solving problems instead of exacerbating them. Why is it, that in the middle of this budget crisis, legislators appear to have been more worried about breaking ranks with their caucuses than about the consequences of failing to produce a responsible budget?

The passage of Proposition 11 would be a major first step toward improving the political system. Ending the conflict of interest inherent in California's redistricting process and replacing it with one that is open, inclusive and adheres to clear rules that respond to voters, rather than incumbents, is a critical part of systemic reform.

I believe strongly that incumbents should have the chance to continue serving their constituencies if that's what their constituents want - but the ultimate decision must rest with the voters.

Proposition 11 alone isn't enough to fix state government. No single reform could be. But it is an essential first step in sending an important signal to the political establishment that enough is enough. We can help transform a system mired in political paralysis. If we pass Proposition 11, perhaps we can convince our elected leaders that governing is more important than winning.