My favorite California Governor was Pat Brown. His name has come up recently as a comparison to Gray Davis.

Governor Pat Brown
1. Constructed the biggest aqueduct in history
2. Expanded the state university and junior college system
3. Created a state hi way/freeway system that is a model for the world
4. Construction of hydroelectric and nuclear generators
5. One of the best public school systems in the nation (upper 10%)
6. A mental health system yet to be rivaled
7. New homes at a fraction of today’s prices

Based upon inflation Californian's paid $1300 per capita in taxes. Again adjusted for inflation, Brown spent $3000 for each public school student.

Governor Davis is a different story.

1. Granted a few power generators have been built
2. However, the per capita tax is about $3000
3. $9,200 for each public school student and our students rank around 50th from the top
4. Our infrastructure needs a large investment for repair

With Governor Brown we built hi ways and with Governor Davis as well as his Republican predecessors, we have not had the money to fill potholes! Something is wrong with the system!

By the way Pat Brown lost to Ronald Reagan when running for Governor in 1966. Reagan campaigned that Brown “spent too much” ($4.5 billion his last year), and that Reagan would “reduce the size of Government, the state budget and taxes”.

When Reagan got through as Governor, taxes increased, the state budget was over $25 billion, the size of government doubled, and there was little to show as far as “progress”.

It is not your accomplishments that will be remembered – it is your ability to smile that is important in politics. Screw everyone but smile so they will love you! :)