Proportional Representation

If California were a country, it would be the 35th most populous nation in the world; all 34 countries bigger than California have some form of state, regional or provincial government. But California's distinct, state-like regions don't have governments, or representation. That has bred frustration -- and has sparked proposals by various regions and people, many of them in inland California, to break off regions or split the state in two. Is California too big for its own good?

(Originally published on Fox & Hounds Daily)
If Tony Quinn is right, the Democrats may get a two-thirds supermajority in the Assembly next year.

A diverse group of Californians, from across the state, gathered in Torrance in late June for the state’s first statewide deliberative poll.

(originally posted at Fox & Hounds Daily)
This past weekend, more than 300 Californians - chosen at random, as part of an audience shaped to reflect the views and demographics of the state's registered voters - gathered at a Torrance hotel for California's first-ever Deliberative Poll.

We face historic challenges at a time when our state is increasingly thought to be ungovernable. Our outmoded system of government is crippling our ability to deliver basic services to the Californians who create our extraordinary productivity and prosperity – and undercutting our ability to plan and invest for the future. There are plenty of proposals for reform, but the public is often distrustful of those who offer them. It's time to change the process.

It’s been noted repeatedly, on this site and by many others, that California’s policy challenges are compounded by the system of politics and governance that is “outmoded” and “broken.”  But what, exactly, does that mean?  

Media Contact
Liz Wu
California Media Relations Manager
510-295-9859
wu@newamerica.net

SACRAMENTO, CA - In the wake of Tuesday's record low voter turnout and the resounding defeat of five of six ballot measures proposed by the Legislature, the New America Foundation renewed its call for a fundamental overhaul of California's dysfunctional electoral system.