With much fanfare, the governor last week may have sealed California’s fate as the Greece of the nation. The official signing of high-speed rail funding legislation empowers the California High-Speed Rail Authority with $8 billion for five years, with no additional legislative oversight. Promising a billion north and a billion south — with no guarantee of funding for either — Gov. Jerry Brown selected ceremonies in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He notably ignored the Central Valley that is supposed to be the beneficiary of the multitude of economic benefits and employment opportunities for the initial 130 miles of unelectrified track.
Returning from a dinner meeting in Bakersfield the date of the July 18 signing, I had no doubt in my mind why the governor was not visiting the beneficiaries of such enormous government “largesse.” Bakersfield, or Kern County, is next on the radar screen for a variety of routes involving 60- to 80-foot high viaducts, and destruction of historic buildings, business centers and neighborhoods. Kern County’s northern neighbor, Kings County, currently suing the state, was scheduled first for demolition. Changing ground zero to Fresno-north brought the Merced and Madera county farm bureaus into litigation, as well as other affected parties. The deep-rooted agricultural and oil-producing way of life in the Central Valley feeds and powers the state and nation. If creating the “backbone” for high-speed rail is such a boon to the people that live there, why are they suing?
While we watch the political theater, California boasts the lowest credit rating in the nation. The state must borrow $10 billion for short-term cash flow needs, is cutting public safety dollars and is practicing “catch and release” for state prisoners. We rank near the bottom of the 50 states in public education achievement but No. 1 in attracting welfare recipients. Unemployment is way above the national average at nearly 11 percent, and municipal bankruptcies are occurring on a regular basis. But we continue to borrow to fund needless projects and “realign” grabbing funds from local governments. The result yields more centralized state control and a growing state bureaucracy. And yet, the governor wants more taxes.
Orange County, similar to the Central Valley, has long been noted for its independence and aversion to state-centralized bloated government, debt and taxation. Last week, we bid farewell to longtime taxpayer advocate, patriot and founder of Orange County Taxpayer Association, Reed Royalty. The second annual Roses and Radishes Awards Dinner served as the venue for this stalwart in Orange County’s political arena to announce his retirement and name a successor. Roses were awarded the city of Mission Viejo for implementing taxpayer-saving programs, and Radishes went to the OC Fire Authority for steady increases in pay and benefits.
However, the elephant in the room was the lack of recognition for what should have been the “Brown Onion” award. Understanding that the governor has decided to spend $8 billion, OC and other counties want a seat at the table. Unfortunately, according to the state’s legislative counsel, we may be granted “preferred seating” to pick up the tab.
The Central Valley knows an onion when it sees one. Let’s hope the OC improves in vision or at least detects a smell before our eyes begin to water. Brown Onions can add flavor if prepared properly, but they can also make you cry.