Yet innovation alone doesn't solve maddeningly complex problems, and sometimes � ���"the people� �� � � ��" in California, the most ethnically, racially and socially diverse - and fickle - ballot-casters of any democracy on earth - really aren't certain what they want, except for � ���"real change� �� � from a dysfunctional political system. Voters are frustrated and pessimistic, believing California is on the � ���"wrong track� �� �, probably headed for long-term decline, with no Governor having much chance of moving the State in � ���"the right direction� �� �. They're not even sure what that direction might be.
What would you want if your washing machine broke while full of dirty laundry? To call in an expert, an experienced professional with the know-how to fix the damned machine.
Our State's political machine is broken. Somebody please call Lockyer.
Does he really have the right stuff? I'll defer to less prejudiced reviewers:
� ���"The Capitol master of politics and policy,� �� � says John Diaz of the San Francisco Chronicle.
� ���"One of California's smartest politicians� �� �, says Peter Schrag, formerly of the Sacramento Bee.
George Skelton of the Los Angeles Times appreciatively dubs him � ���"the Old Pro� �� �.
Former Chronicle Capitol reporter Greg Lucas, asks, � ���"Why Isn't This Man California's Next Governor?� �� �
Joe Matthews of the New America Foundation, says Lockyer would � ���"probably make the best Governor of any Democrat in the State� �� �.
So maybe all these guys are Democrats. Let's hear from the other side of the party aisle.
Joel Fox, Schwarzenegger ally who, for years headed the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association � ��" breeding ground of Proposition 13 and no hotbed of liberal Democratic sentiment � ��" remarked that Lockyer's recent outbursts on fiscal reality and legislative responsibility � ���"proves that you don't have to be out of office to make statesman like pronouncements� �� �.
The crowning comment comes from Jim Brulte, former Republican leader of the Legislature and chair of the state Republican Party.
Lockyer, he said recently, is � ���"the smartest political thinker I've ever met� �� �. That's a Republican talking.
All these commentators sense that in seasoned expertise that translates politics into policy, Lockyer ranks Number One. He knows the Legislature, he knows the Executive, and he understands the complex interplay between the two branches of government. He knows the legal system and the fiscal system. He's not always right and successful as a problem-solver, but at least he always starts from informed experience.
What he has to offer is simply � ��" virtuosity. Voters sometimes think that any fool can be a politician. Maybe they're right. But to manage complex governmental machinery in the 21st century and run the specialized business of public policy that affects the lives of millions calls for a smart, talented and experienced public sector CEO with a life-time record of accomplishment in elective office.
Virtuosity and expertise. Not toying with new ideas and certainly not amateurish bungling by rich Republican dilettantes.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
