Thanks to "Disgusted Resident" for commenting on the previous blog entry and referring us to the Sacramento Bee's article from Wednesday about legislators' trips during a special legislative session that has been called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
While I won't comment on Disgusted Resident's diatribe about the politically powerful Lowenthal family, the writer did mention an interesting quote by state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, in the Sacramento Bee article (written by Jim Sanders). Here are the first couple of graphs of the article, followed by the quotes from Lowenthal:
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to call a special legislative session over the state's rocky economy won't necessarily lead lawmakers to curtail their overseas travel plans.
Numerous legislators were planning to pack their bags for India, China or Hawaii when the governor announced plans Monday to reconvene the Legislature. Lawmakers would typically begin work again in January.
And Lowenthal's perspective:
Sen. Alan Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat who does not plan to travel, defended colleagues by saying it makes no sense to hang around Sacramento, collecting $173 per diem, while legislative leaders negotiate behind closed doors.
Overseas travel is not likely to alter public opinion, Lowenthal said. "The public already has no faith in us," he said. "It's not going to change anybody's mind."
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
The Lowenthal machine has bankrupted LB AND CA.
Their logic is, since we have done such a lousy job wasting the budget, of course you will give us more of your taxes. We are in debt on top of the waste.
And we reelect THEM??
Alan Lowenthal is quite possibly the most intelligent and honest man in the Government of California. He and his entire family work very hard to to help the citizens of Long Beach and the the entire state.
Alan did only one thing I can thing of that actually helped people. He cancelled the poll on the bridge.
For that,I am grateful. I Can't think of anything else, though...