California's Golden Years: When Government Worked and Why

By William T. Bagley

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877724342
• ISBN13: 9780877724346
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Institute of Governmental Studies Press
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Anyone involved in California politics should read this book

This book is a must read for California legislators, legislative staff, lobbyists, city and county elected and non-elected officials, and students of California politics. A lot of young people don't know how California was governed before 1978. They think it's always been as it is now, partisan to the core. Well it ain't true. Prior to 1978, there was no aisle in the Legislature. Democrats and Republicans sat together, played together, drank together, and played cards through the night together. They got the work done that built this state, including most of the infrastructure that we have today. It was indeed a golden era in most respects. Now Democrats and Republicans are at war with each other. Apart from being highly informative, this book is also funny. Bill Bagley has a great sense of humor.

Haven't read the book yet--but just listened to the author discuss it for an hour

Bagley was in the Californa state legislature when it was rated the best in the nation. Hard to believe, but true. I don't care about the trip down memory lane per se, but this guy was there when Democrats and Republicans weren't whirly-eyed fanatics and were actually able to run the state effectively. This book should be a must-read for those who are interested in how good ground rules make for good government--and vice versa. He details exactly what changes led to today's toxic environment in the state legislature. And there are lots of lessons here for residents of other states. Most of the changes that produced these dire results came from initiatives a majority of Californians voted for. They were often misled, or simply hadn't thought through the bad consequences of their good intentions. For example, term limits kicked the rascals out all right--buy Bagley details how this put the state in the hands of those who can't be termed out--namely the special interests. The motto of the book might well be "watch what you wish for." Plus if you're a centrist like me, you'll find a kindred spirit in Bagley. I have more to say on such topics in my blog. Just Google my name.