Give Arnold a chance

Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger formally unveiled The California Performance Review, his plan to "blow up the boxes" of state government in a 2,500-page report that seeks to save $32 billion by streamlining bureaucratic agencies, eliminating more than 100 boards and commissions and overhauling state business practices.

Left-leaning Democrats like State Senate President Pro Tem John Burton wasted no time spewing FUD about something he had likely not even read, dissing it by saying, "They are clearly biting off more than anyone can chew."

If you're one of the recipients of the Gray Davis gravy train of political gifts to unions and special interests, you should be threatened, as what Arnold is trying to do is smash the status quo. It's ironic that the liberals running the state legislature are so threatened by the proposed changes, as they love to bill themselves at the party of change. In this case, it is the Democrats who are behind the ball. Being skeptical won't accomplish anything. In fact, it will only make things worse.

Is the Prescription for Change perfect? It's too early to tell. But then, no plan ever is. Yet, the Governor is leading by example, and challenging the politicians in Sacramento to take part in changing California for the better or get run over. And clearly, California government needs an overhaul. And the Governor is showing he can lead by taking bold initiative.

For example, ore than half of the savings would be extracted from the way state government operates - ranging from changes in how airline tickets are reserved for state workers to making better use of the Internet as a means of improving customer service. The proposal also attempts to consolidate many of the state's computers and communications functions to avoid duplication and take advantage of outside contracts to squeeze savings out of the state budget. It would mean consolidating a number of departments and agencies. Jobs would be cut. Things would change. State employees would be forced to be accountable for their actions, something that we in the private sector live with daily. And (gasp!) public employees would have to embrace the concept of customer service.

As a taxpayer, I expect no less. That it took the action of the California Performance Review to prompt this debate is sad, as the Democratic led state legislature has failed the people of California.

I doubt that the plan is perfect. It concentrates much of the power of many agencies under the Governor's office, and that is something with long-term implications. But my initial reading greatly impressed me with the insight and fresh ideas that we never see come from Sacramento. It's about time.

This is but the opening shot in what will be a huge political battle. But I hope that for the first time, people in the state capitol will be forced to think about the state and its people in a new way. Right or wrong, I applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for thinking different and starting a debate on how the government of California can run itself effectively, instead of being the land of backroom deals and entitlement.

If you are a resident of California, I urge you to get involved. Visit the Web site of the California Performance Review and read the report. Let your thoughts be heard. This is an important time, and a great time to make a change for the better.