Week 9- Blog 11- Assignment

 Larry Feirman State & Local Government

March 15, 2021 Week 9- Blog 11 | Assignment

New York Times

By Shawn Hubler

Feb. 24, 2021

• https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/us/newsom-recall.html

• https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/california-governor-admits-mistakes-recall-unjustified-76443243

• https://www.hoover.org/research/failures-governance-reason-why-state-california-bad-and-getting-worse

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The first two (2) pages of our text (pp.144-145) are a perfect example of catastrophic events that have haunted Governor Newsom of California.  Most recently the Corona Virus, and then the wild fires of the past few years. Since his election in 2019, there have been seven (7) statewide fires.  Although not directly attributed to the Governor, the reaction and management do fall under his jurisdiction.

 

The Corona-Virus has wreaked havoc on the State’ economy, and the Governor’ reaction and handling is under scrutiny, so much so that there could be an act to force a new election prior to the end of his term.  Governors have multiple roles, and one very important one that citizens tend to assign to any governor expecting success is Governors as Managers(pp.153).  Citizens view the Governor as the CEO of their state and to that end, the citizenry expect the Governor to assume the responsibility of the old adage (President Truman), ‘the buck stops here’.1

The economy of California is larger than many countries.  In the U.S. California is ranked 24th out of 50 (down from 11th-2019).2  , and globally 5th.  The economy is seen as the overall responsibility of the Governor (pp.155).  The recruitment of new companies to California, offering a sound environment for business and their workers.  This includes but not limited to affordable housing, safety, security, and overall infrastructure to support major industries. In 2020 and in 2021, there has been a decline in both population (those leaving) and a decline in corporate offices leaving (Tesla, HP, Oracle, etc.)3.  Taxes for business, state laws that seem overreach and unfriendly toward business is also a factor in the declination.  Ultimately this is a reflection of the Governor and his appointees-other elected officials.

  1Mitford M. Mathews, ed., A Dictionary of Americanisms on Historical Principles (Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1951), I, pages 198-199. Harry S. Truman Library.

  2 Sanchez, Marco Jose. “Where California Places in the U.S. News Best States Rankings.” U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report, March 29, 2021. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california

  3 Corcoran, Kieran. “California's Economy Is Now the 5th-Biggest in the World, and Has Overtaken the United Kingdom.” Business Insider. Business Insider, May 5, 2018. https://www.businessinsider.com/california-economy-ranks-5th-in-the-world-beating-the-uk-2018-5.