THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
www.cagreens.org
Friday, July 22, 2005
Contact: Sara Amir, spokesperson 310.270-7106 saraamir@earthlink.net
Stuart Bechman 805-405-3929 sbechman@sbcglobal.net
Susan King 415.823-5524 funking@mindspring.com
Governor's 'pet project' deserved the axe, note
Greens, who give superior court judge a 'Green for a Day' award
SACRAMENTO (July 22, 2005) - The Green Party of
California Friday said the decision late Thursday by a Superior Court
judge here to toss a key proposition - the legislative redistricting
plan - from the November Special Election was probably a good thing
because of the abuse of power exhibited by the governor and his
business cronies.
Noting that the initiative process was designed by
Gov. Hiram Johnson last century to "give a voice to the
people," not special interests who already control the halls of
the Legislature through big money campaign contributions, the Greens
said the governor corrupted the process by trying to also buy - and
cheat - his way onto the ballot.
"The Judge gets the 'Green for a Day' award
for thwarting the governor's attempt to break the ballot qualifying
rules. Gov. Schwarzenegger's redistricting plan would have
consolidated power - the antithesis of green democracy" said Tom
Bolema, member of the GPCA Coordinating Committee from Los Angeles.
And, GPCA spokesperson Beth Moore Haines of Nevada
City said it was simply wrong for the state to be spending tens of
millions of dollars while many Californians are so needy.
"It's unfortunate that the Governor feels
justified in siphoning $70 million desperately needed tax dollars for
his pet project special election, but didn't bother proofreading.
Dropping redistricting means voters now waste that $70 million for a
few remaining ballot items. Is this the best he can do?," she
said.
