Geoff Metcalf 
March 27, 1998 

Do we really need a full time legislature?  That's a question I've been struggling with for some time.  I asked my listening audience on KSFO what they thought, and I was kinda surprised at the overwhelming support for a return to a part time legislature. 
 
The more I learn about how things really work in the bill mill in Sacramento, the more annoyed, confused, embarrassed and "P.O.ed" I become. 

I am in the early stages of an analysis of the effectiveness and cost efficiency of our California state legislature.  Hopefully, as I collect more data, I can share it with you for your review and comment. 

The California Assembly and Senate costs us hundreds of millions of dollars every year. What do we get for our money?  It has often been observed that the seminal significant legislation the state has seen has NOT come out of the legislature.  Rather, most of what those hundreds of millions of dollars is used for is the creation, maintenance and overfeeding of a privileged class of often petty, classless partisan whiners.  You could hold a caucus of legislators of commitment, integrity and public service in a phone booth and still have room for a good size buffet. 

I recently wrote a short magazine piece in which I noted that what is needed in California is more politicians of principle and leadership:  "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." I wrote. Sadly, the super-majority of the current legislature can't lead, won't follow, and refuses to get out of the way. 

Consider this:  The most significant legislation over the past two decades has been the result of the initiative process:  Prop 13, 98, 140, 187, 209 and Three Strikes were ALL the product of initiatives.  Now, I feel that we have too many initiatives in California, but why do so many important laws have to be decided by "we the people"?  The answer is simple. The career politicians lack the courage, strength of character, principle, or brass to squire a potentially controversial issue.  God forbid they might actually offend a potential campaign fundraising source. 
 
The California legislature mimics a renaissance court that would frankly embarrass the de Medicis.  State Senators and Assemblyfolk, for the most part (with damn few exceptions), are more concerned about the size and location of their offices, the number of support staff, the patronage blessings they can bestow and MONEY. 

Even good people end up getting corrupted by the addiction of power and perceived self importance.  The legacy (or curse) of Jesse Unruh is alive and well in Sacramento.  When Senate President Pro Tem John Burton was seeking votes to follow Bill Lockyer, where did he go first? Not to the party faithful, their support was axiomatic.  He went to Republicans most anxious to accept 13 pieces of silver (in the form of committee chairmanships and 'royal' gifts).  What did Baron Burton require in return?  Just the Republican vassals vote on the budget...despite the inherent union buy-offs and pork packed into it. 

We mistakenly elect these people to "represent us".  In reality, they mostly end up representing themselves and the devils to whom they have sold their souls. 

I've have observed Army four star Generals with less hubris that some of these guys who really think they are "special".  In fact, one Senator was annoyed when an auto dealer told him there was a two year wait to purchase their limited edition luxury car.  Colonel David Hackworth has a phrase which I need to borrow (Hack, you can have it back after this). This "Powdered Prince" was so offended at being treated like an ordinary consumer that he called the manufacturer to inform them that "...that wait is unacceptable", after all he was a senior California legislator.   Amazingly, the auto maker actually rolled over and let him buy one of their limited edition buggies.  Who's car did this "privileged class" legislator get? 

Listen, I admit I haven't crunched all the numbers yet, but consider this: 

• The California State Legislature costs us hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
• The money mostly creates and maintains an elite class which routinely demonstrates contempt for the very folks who put them in office.
• The important laws have been, and can, be voted on by "we the people" thorough the initiative process.
• This is not as wild-ass crazy as it may sound.  Legislators were originally "of the people" who donated their time (at NO pay) in order to provide a "public service".
• Several other states have part time legislatures.

Do we really need a full time legislature?  I'll work the numbers and rationale, meanwhile, please let me know what you think.  Buy the way, when I put this question to my listeners I heard from twenty two people in less than one hour, and they ALL embraced the part time legislature option.