The wild west of San Diego politics

This op-ed originally appeared in the Dana Point Times   Never anticipating the enormity of financial hailstorm that hit last year, I ran for elected office hoping to use my former career corporate finance skills, and passion for economics to help our state secure a more solid financial footing. Hence, my focus in Sacramento, on all “boring” number crunching committee …

Last week the State legislature passed a budget with the minimum number of votes that pleased no one, especially those of us who will absorb the increasing tax burden in sales, income and vehicle registration fees. The good news is the gas tax was rejected and the counties will be getting their allocation of state dollars without interruption in funding. …

This op-ed originally appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune Upon being sworn into the California State Assembly in December, I promptly met with staff from the Governor’s office, Department of Finance , Controller’s office and others to assess the State’s fiscal crisis.  Also, I did what I hear is unthinkable for an elected official – I reviewed the State’s last …