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Seminar Headliner Sounds Optimistic
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California State Controller Steve Westly takes the time to meet and greet
the attendees after his keynote address.
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State Controller, Steve Westly, spoke to over 300
attending the Saturday luncheon at this year¹s 35th Annual Progress Seminar.
Although Westly felt good about California¹s bonds showing a positive on
wall street for the first time in 4 years. he let everyone know that the
deep cuts in the State Budget will probably be worse than expected and
tax increases are likely.
Westly explained that California got itself in the place that it is in by
never anticipating the internet bubble bursting and spending over its means.
Westly feels that California must make some structural changes to continue
to maintain its world class economy:
- It must have an independent 3rd party redistricting. Elections being
held are not really elections and they must be more competitive.
- Term limits is a failure in the State and should be reversed. Our
leaders must understand the complexities of government and their terms
should be extended.
- Open primaries must be held where every individual can vote for any
candidate.
- Referring to the Governor as the ³Reforminator² he said it was important
to stop the state from taking money from the City and Counties. He
encouraged passage of, but didn¹t endorse, the League of Cities Local
Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act, the initiative that would stop
the state from reallocating local funds without taxpayer consent -
essentially a bill of rights for cities and counties.
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The Hardworking 2004 Seminar Co-Chairs, Supervisor Mike Nevin, Supervisor
Rich Gordon, Councilmember Jim Hartnett and Chamber Chairman of the Board
John Adams.
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Westly said it is a challenging time in California, but he is bullish on
the State¹s prospects with California a world technology leader. He said
that Asia is the fastest growing nation and California¹s proximity puts it
in an excellent position to take advantage. He said ³there is no greater
melting pot than California and the immigrants are driving the economy².
Looking at the past -California, the land of builders and dreamers, from
the gold rush, to Hollywood and the silver screen, the silicon chip, Westly
has great expectations and a personal belief that California will meet its
current challenges and climb to the top once again.
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