How I’m voting for the environment on Nov. 7, 2006, at the state-level. Here’s how I’m voting on the propositions.
My vote for Governor: Phil Angelides.
What does the CA Governor do?: The Governor’s the head of the Executive branch of CA state govt, in charge of carrying out state laws and picking out the people to take charge of state departments, agencies, boards, commissions and councils. The governor’s also commander-in-chief of CA’s military forces, activating CA’s National Guard if necessary and directing all state agencies in state emergencies.
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Well, you know I’m not gonna vote for our current Hummer-loving governator. I’d like to remind you that the guy owns not 1, but 4 hummers.
Of course, Arnold’s working overtime to portray himself as a green dude. In July, he petitioned the federal government to protect 4.4 million acres of California’s wild forests, assisted the Million Solar Roofs initiative, signed in a landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in Cali 25% by 2020, and got Cali into Northeast’s carbon-trading program.
I find it interesting that all these nice initiatives only started happening like 5 months ago.
Look at Arnold’s record over time, and you’ll see that the guy’s just not serious about the environment. Yes, Arnie sez he’s behind the state’s requirement that autos sold in Cali have lower emissions starting in the 2009 model year. But he vetoed a bill that would make half the cars and trucks sold in California be powered by alternative fuels by 2020 :( Arnie also vetoed a bill that woulda cut pollutants from shipping ports. And he’s appointed many unsavory people to Cali enviro boards.
Phil Angelides, in contrast, is not just a fair-weather-friend of the environment. The guy built up a strong green record as state treasurer, investing heavily in renewable-energy development and making Cali a leader in green investments.
The guy’s not afraid to go out on a limb for important issue. He has, for ex, come out in support of Prop 89, which would help our elections be decided by constituents, not big money.
And please don’t believe Arnold’s spin, trying to peg Angelides as a tax-raiser. Yes, Angelides wants to raise taxes — for the rich, undertaxed dudes.
Angelides, BTW, drives a hybrid. He owns no Hummers. He’s endorsed by the Sierra Club and the California League of Conservation Voters, as well as other enviro orgs.
I’m not saying there aren’t things I don’t like about Angelides — cuz there are. I especially don’t like his habit of running sensational negative ads.
But if you’re voting for the environment, and for a Cali that’s happier for the general pop as opposed to just the rich elite, vote for Angelides.
I am no Arnold fan, and I am I have no intention of voting for him. But I give him a bit more credit on his green creds than you do. I think he’s been at least as good if not better than Gray Davis for the environment since he became governor, appointing more than a few enviros to the Coastal Commission and other important boards.
The Democrats have gotten a pass on the environment because they talk the talk. But on issue after issue, they have sold out open space and clean air for big business interests as much as Republicans have.
Angelides seems like a well intentioned guy, but I don’t see him as the obvious vote for the environment.
Comment by Rafi — October 30, 2006 @ 12:07 pm
Wait — but you’re comparing Gray Davis and Dems in general to Arnold, instead of comparing Angelides to Arnold. Obviously, since Angelides has NOT been governor, he hasn’t been able to make the bigger, more sweeping moves that Arnold’s been able to. But I really think Angelides has done a lot within the positions he’s held. Plus, Angelides is behind Prop 87, which Arnie still opposes –
Comment by Siel — November 3, 2006 @ 10:38 am
I am also suprised your voting for Angelelides.
I don’t agree at all and think that Arnold has done ALOT to push through many initiatives.
He’s clearly a better choice for our state.
I agree with all of your other votes accept for this one. Have to say, I’m disappointed because I was referred to you as a guide to help me vote “green”…. I’ll still trust your opinions on everything else… but I don’t agree with you about Angelides being a better choice whatsoever.
Comment by Willow — November 3, 2006 @ 1:04 pm
“What Does a Governor Do?”
People › Government › Local Politics
In some states, the governor can also vote a bill once it has passed, although this is rare.
Comment by Lucas Harvey — November 6, 2011 @ 7:47 pm