Schmoozing for Money, Traffic Circle Works and Out with the Old

July 6, 2003

Dear Editor,

I am appalled that state legislators facing a $38 billion deficit have chosen to spend their time holding fundraisers rather than confronting the budget deadline.

It is my understanding that the final week before the deadline, they only met for four hours to solve the budget impasse and decided instead to hold more than twenty fundraisers. It appears that they are more enthusiastic about hosting lobbyist at $1,000-a-plate events in Sacramento, or attending special interest sponsored conferences in Maui than resolving the budget crisis.

We should be outraged at this behavior! But we shouldn't be surprised. Money still remains the mother's milk of politics, and fundraising has become an integral part of Sacramento politics. In fact, most of the legislators are in safe seats thanks to their own redistricting plan, and are only fundraising for future offices or to contribute to their political party. This constant 24/7 fundraising has become so endemic and pervasive that even the public's business takes a back seat to it.

There is an alternative that will eliminate legislators' time dedicated to fundraising and let them focus on the budget and other issues without influence from special interest campaign contributions. The answer is simple -- publicly financed campaigns, or "Clean Money"
elections.

Candidates are offered the choice to forgo fundraising and accepting private campaign contributions after they establish broad public support. Their attention is no longer beholden to their wealthy contributors nor do they need to spend time fundraising. It's working in Arizona and Maine and could work in California.

It's time that we demand that our legislators focus on solving our state's problems and finalizing our budget rather than schmoozing for money for their future campaigns.

Katharine King
Santa Monica

July 5, 2003

Dear Editor,

I agree with Bob Seldon that the 26th St. traffic circle works. ("LETTERS: Traffic Circle a Win-Win," July 2) However, it would be too expensive to replace all 4-way stop intersections with circles.

I think all stop signs should be effective only when there is a reason to stop, like oncoming traffic. Our preoccupation with cellphones, etc., could be pierced with flashing red lights triggered by traffic sensors.

If not flashing, drive on through without stopping. Also look, of course. Much of our heavy traffic is fostered by unnecessary stops.

Bob Holliday

July 5, 2003

Dear Editor,

Just what is wrong with the fat cats at City Hall. There were fire works all up and down the
coast three nights running.

The gang at City Hall couldn't even put up a flag in the so-called Promenade. But when it comes time for the election the whole gang of them will be whining when they find out the people of this city are fed up with their game.

Out with the old in with the new.