Even one of the most prolific writers has to take some time for himself. So I will not be penning a lengthy commentary for today.
I would simply suggest that you should definitely read several of the articles featured on the main page today:
* The Chronicle looks at the controversy surrounding the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Susan Kennedy, being simultaneously on the government payroll and the campaign payroll. Carla Marinucci, the piece’s author, delves into this growing controversy.
* In the Daily News, there is an article highlighting that Senate Democrats, lead by President Pro-Tem Don Perata, see ‘no need’ for the Governor’s proposed 6% spending cap. That it could tie the hands of future efforts at borrowing. Actually, the cap is one of the positive things in the Governor’s proposal. Perhaps their opposition to the cap will nix the whole borrowing scheme and we can focus on the Assembly Republican pay-as-you-go plan.
* Debra Saunders has secured today’s "Golden Pen" award as she looks at a controversial issue – which is the proposed ‘taking’ (via eminent domain) of a large ranch in Yolo County, the Conaway Ranch, because they simply don’t want it developed. Amazing. A "must read" if you need any reminder that too much government power can be a scary thing.
* Finally, don’t miss the outstanding piece in today’s Orange County Register that talks about the imminent implementation of plans by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to start cross-training investigators and jail-deputies with the federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency. The goal is to be able to give local law enforcement the ability to access the federal immigration database so that when someone is the suspect of an unrelated felony, it can be determined if they had previously been deported, making their presence back in America a felony. I can tell you, as a Public Information Officer for the OC Sheriff’s department, that there is a lot of public support for this type of measured, common sense use of federal information to go after hard-core criminals.
Have a great day!
Jon
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