California’s recall is over, but the task of fixing the state’s tattered budget remains. Now the real fun begins.
Angry voters tossed the unpopular Gray Davis from office in favor of the larger-than-life, action-star-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It’s difficult to decipher the tea leaves left from the recall. California is bigger and crazier than just about everywhere else. The unique circumstances that handed the governor’s mansion to Schwarzenegger are unlikely to be repeated elsewhere.
With turnout approaching 70 percent and Schwarzennegger capturing a clear majority of votes, scornful cries of a stolen election should be silenced. This experiment in direct democracy captured the dissatisfaction of millions of voters and focused it sharply on a weakened politician.
The temptation facing Democrats is to point to a shadowy right-wing conspiracy and to charge into a new recall drive. That’s not a good idea.
Schwarzenegger may lack what it takes to govern, but the people say he deserves a chance to try. Democrats who ignore this popular uprising do so at their own peril.
A good change
Every candidate will get a chance to speak during the Oct. 23 forum for office seekers in Lewiston, even the ones who are unopposed.
That’s a good change.
Two years ago, only candidates for mayor were invited to the forum. The expanded roster is good for those running and its good for those voting.
Candidates are put on the spot in a public forum where they have to answer questions. It’s good practice for the duties of the city council. Voters get to hear what these would-be public servants think about the important issues facing the city. It makes Election Day decisions easier.
We encourage the public to attend the event, which begins at 7 p.m. in room 150 at L-A College. Knowledgeable voters lead to better city government.
Damage undone
Seldom do we see a politician react so magnanimously and so quickly to remedy a perceived slight inflicted on a group of constituents. Sen. Olympia Snowe, with her meeting Thursday with local educators and school officials, demonstrates again why she is so popular with voters.
Through a scheduling snafu in her office, Snowe had not met with the Lewiston School Committee despite multiple invitations to discuss the federal No Child Left Behind Act and its impact on education reform. Snowe had met with other education leaders in the area and around the state, but this group had slipped through the cracks.
When the senator learned in late September of the missed opportunity, she immediately took action to repair the hurt feelings. Just two weeks later, the meeting happened.
She made no excuses and offered a public apology in the form of a letter to the editor on this page. We aren’t surprised, Snowe is known for her honesty and responsiveness.
dfarmer@sunjournal.com
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