Continuing with my unusual-consequences-of-things-theme of this week, there is a report the other day of California Governor Jerry Brown vetoing a bill that would have required Presidential candidates e.g. President Trump, to disclose their tax returns before appearing on the California ballot (click here.) Who would have predicted that Brown would not sign such a bill? However, Brown vetoed the bill citing “slippery slope” arguments. In addition to vetoing that particular bill, Brown vetoed several others (click here for story.)
I respect those who do something for a long time and do it semi-successfully. Accordingly, I give Governor Brown credit for his lifetime of service and in particular for his 4 terms as Governor of California. His bio is worth checking out and not just because he was Linda Ronstadt’s boyfriend at one time.
Fiscally, Brown has helped turn California’s economy around (click here.) Socially too, he has managed to juggle a number of controversial issues ranging from fracking to sanctuary cities. His approval ratings are up close to 60% among Californians. (By way of comparison, our Governor Hogan’s approval ratings are also in the 60% range (click here.) What makes Hogan’s numbers more impressive however, is that he is a Republican leading a very blue state while Brown is a Dem in a Dem state.)
Overseeing the 6th largest economy in the world, the Governor of California has to be one of the more demanding of all political jobs and for sure the most demanding Governorship. That Brown has managed to serve 4 terms at the helm of California is quite a feat.
Back in his first term as Governor, Brown ran for President against Jimmy Carter in 1976. I attended a fund raiser concert for him at a sold out Capitol Center that starred Jackson Browne, the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt (click here for related story.) I don’t know if that concert had anything to do with it, but Brown eventually would win the Maryland primary.
Since I have mentioned her twice in this little review of Governor Brown, here’s Linda. Maybe she should have run for office.