Working Lunch with Ray Kerridge
Given the current economics of local government, one might think it’s the perfect time to flee to the private sector. Not so for Ray Kerridge.
Who Can Govern California?
Meg Whitman has what it takes
No political leader can work magic, though virtually all who campaign for public office talk as if he or she can. Our current governor came in as an outsider promising change but had limited success, at least partly because he never learned to work effectively with the Legislature.
A Slow Pace?
Some programs for green retrofits remain in limbo
There’s a lot of legal hubbub in California surrounding Property-Assessed Clean Energy programs. Also known as PACE, the programs could be headed for troubled waters.
Getting Warmer
Does California need its own climate change policy
In 2006 the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger enacted the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The objective of the act was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020 and further reduce emissions by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. The California Air Resources Board is charged with implementing the regulations.
Working Lunch with Jeff Starsky
As mayor of Folsom, Jeff Starsky says it’s his job to keep people thinking positive and keep consumer confidence high. As far as his city is concerned, he seems to be doing a good job.
Troubled Waters
Will the state build or falter on the legislature's historic compromise?
It has been almost a year since California lawmakers reached an agreement on the most comprehensive overhaul of the state’s water management system in more than four decades.
A Challenge to National Leaders
The private sector has a role to play
Critiquing the federal government is something I usually consider outside my bailiwick. After all, what can I do sitting here in my Sacramento office to influence the actions of our president and Congress?
Where Credit’s Due
Lifing the lending cap on credit unions
If lawmakers follow through on pending legislation in Washington, it could mean a boost for business for Capital Region credit unions.
Service and Protect
Will health care reform make insurance brokers obsolete?
It’s too soon to tell whether health insurance brokers are an endangered species on the cusp of going the way of the Dodo or, more recently, the travel agent.
Day on the Green
The political fate of climate-change legislation
For years, the debate over climate change centered almost exclusively on science: Is global warming occurring, and if so, are humans causing it? But with the economy still struggling, the argument has shifted to one of dollars and cents.