You can’t make this stuff up.
Today I read about the appointment of another former top aide to Gray Davis being appointed to a top-level appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger… My thoughts…
In 2003, in a historic effort, an overwhelming number of Republicans joined forces with many Democrats and Decline to State voters, and helped support the recall of Gray Davis. The unprecedented recall of a sitting Governor was a repudiation of the man, his policies, and his personnel. It was a statement that we wanted a clean-break from anything ‘Gray Davis’! I was pleased to support Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won the special election vote with a mandate to take California in a new direction – with new ideas, new policies, and new people running state government.
That having been said, I am disturbed by the entry of a third high-profile former “insider” of Governor Davis into the heart my Republican Governor’s Administration.
Look, I understand that Arnold Schwarzenegger is not as conservative as me. Frankly, I knew that when he was running in the recall. And when you contrast him with Angelides and Westly, my continued support of the Governor is a no-brainer. That having been said, I think that it is very legitimate to criticize the inclusion of the TOP ADVISORS to recalled Governor Gray Davis in the Executive Offices Governor Schwarzenegger.
When I checked the box to recall Gray Davis, it wasn’t just to get rid of him, it was to jettison all of the people around him, too.
SUSAN KENNEDY, GOVERNOR’S CHIEF OF STAFF
Cap Weekly Story: Schwarzenegger picks key Davis aide Susan Kennedy as new chief of staff, sparking anger among some Republicans
Kennedy was second-in-command for Governor Gray Davis, serving as his Deputy Chief of Staff (in addition to having served as Executive Director of the California Democratic Party when Barbara Boxer narrowly defeated Bruce Herschensohn for U.S. Senate, working for then CDP Chairman Phil Angelides).
DANIEL ZINGALE, FIRST LADY’S CHIEF OF STAFF
Cap Weekly Story: Former Gray Davis advisor takes new job with first lady
Zingale served as Governor Gray Davis’ Cabinet Secretary, his official liaison to all of his Agency Secretaries.
LINDA ADAMS, SECRETARY OF THE CAL-EPA (appointed today)
SF Chronicle Story: Former Westly aide to be named by governor as head of state EPA
Adams served as Governor Gray Davis’ Chief Deputy for Legislative Affairs, serving as his primary liaison with the State Legislators. Also, Adams served as Chief of Staff for State Controller Steve Westly. This is not the only post she has held in this administration, but is clearly the most influential.
In all three of these positions, I feel like the Governor should have someone of his own political party – and I believe there should be a bold notice on employment applications:
“Political appointees of the disgraced former Governor need not apply.”
There are other Democrats working in senior positions for the Governor, but I find the rehiring of Gray Davis’ "A-team" to be particularly bothersome.
Obviously the Governor can factor into his decision making the cumulative effort of putting this many people who were close advisers to his recalled predecessor in positions of trust – both from a policy and from a political perspective.
This entry was posted
on Friday, May 19th, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.
