LA Times: California constitutional convention push fizzles

[marmar]

California constitutional convention push fizzles
Strapped for cash, Repair California ends its effort to put a measure on the November ballot calling for a constitutional convention to confront the state government's ills.

By Evan Halper and Anthony York
February 13, 2010


Reporting from Sacramento - Proponents of a state constitutional convention that could reshape California's government have run out of money and canceled plans to put their proposal before voters in November.

The announcement Friday by Repair California, the organization behind the convention bid, raises questions about how effective good-government groups can be in marshaling resources to address Sacramento's dysfunction.

Repair California seemed well positioned for such a task; its leaders are from the Bay Area Council, a business advocacy group that includes some of the largest corporations in the state.

But the momentum backers had built over the summer -- when the state ran out the cash it needed to pay bills and began issuing IOUs, leaving an outraged public demanding change -- has faded. Political analysts say the proponents have had a tough time keeping voters focused on their complicated prescriptions for California's ills.

Delegates to a constitutional convention, for example, would have been asked to dive into a thicket of conflicting policies and mandates, bureaucratic procedures and the dizzying financial relationship between state and local governments. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-constitutional-convention-2010feb13,0,2734408.story

[PhD]

1. California is doomed

I'm ready for my county to secede and join a more successful state.

[benchwarmer]

2. Any ideas on how to funnel money to them?

I think this is a travesty of the democratic process. Everyone knows that California's system is broken by years of badly considered laws and ridiculous initiatives drafted by special interests and promoted by paid petition gatherers.

It seems to me that Repair California could still make the ballot if they can get some cash to send out those same paid-for petitioners. I don't know how to do that unless a massive fundraising drive can be created on their behalf. They certainly seem uninclined to do it.

This may be the last chance for California, at least until the next boom-and-bust cycle, which might be the end of it. I'm surprised with all the celebrities and other fat-cats living in this state that none have put up money for this initiative. They fund dumber things that have even less personal impact on them.