Earlier today, California State Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) was arrested on charges of political corruption and bribery tied to a larger sting underway by the FBI. This marks the third (of just 40) sitting California State Senators to face legal troubles in the past year.
The following is a statement by California Forward’s CEO Jim Mayer on the matter:
Today’s arrest of another state Senator is a setback for California’s progress toward good governance.
From the beginning, CA Fwd has asserted that public trust is the way to measure governance. It is not an ingredient, it is a result. Trust is the bottom line answer to the important questions: Are public dollars well spent? Are government agencies working together to improve results? Are elected leaders responsive to the public interest?
The vast majority of elected leaders and public servants come to work every day to make California a better place to work, play and raise a family. We need to remember that.
We also need to stay committed to the long-term goal of making California government efficient, effective, accountable and trustworthy.
Among the right next steps over the next 90 days:
1. Create a solid reserve requirement that softens the impact of boom and bust budget cycles.
2. Create a water bond proposal that assures the money will go to the most cost-effective projects to increase water supply reliability and environmental restoration.
3. Create a financing mechanism for local infrastructure, including the local match for integrated water projects.
What we decide on these issues will affect future generations in California, long after the memories of today’s headlines have faded.
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California Forward is a catalyst for a better California. To restore the California Dream, we must create more middle class jobs, promote cost effective public services and encourage accountability for results.
