So I guess there is an American politician that's serious about cutting spending. Jerry Brown. http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/01/brown-orders-48000-state-cell.html#disqus_thread Brown orders 48,000 cell phones confiscated First to suffer from this year's budget crisis? Cell phones. New Gov. Jerry Brown today ordered the collection and return of 48,000 state government-paid cell phones - half of those now in use - by June 1. The Democratic governor estimated that cutting the use of cellphones by state employees in half will save the state $20 million a year. "It is difficult for me to believe that 40 percent of all state employees must be equipped with taxpayer-funded cell phones," Brown said in a written statement. The state currently pays for 96,000 cell phones, the governor added. "Some state employees, including department and agency executives who are required to be in touch 24 hours a day and seven days a week, may need cell phones, but the current number of phones out there is astounding." Brown's cell phone directive, his first executive order since taking office last week, directed state agency and department heads to retrieve the cell phones. "In the face of a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, a cell phone may not seem like a big expense," Brown said. "But spending $20 million, and perhaps far more than that, on cell phones can't be justified. "We're facing a budget crisis in California and I want to achieve all possible, reasonable savings. We have one of the best state workforces in America, and I am confident that all state employees will understand the need for this move and will cooperate." After cutting the number of state-issued phones in half by June 1, the governor said he plans to continue reducing cell phone usage in months ahead. "Because of contract obligations, it is possible that we may not be able eliminate all 48,000 cell phones by June 1, but it is also conceivable that we can do it earlier - and that is my hope," Brown said. "Even with a 50 percent reduction, one-fifth of all state employees will still have cell phones," he said. "That still seems like too much and I want every department and agency to examine and justify all cell phone usage." Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/01/brown-orders-48000-state-cell.html#ixzz1Atwhenq7
Economist had an article in this issue: it's not about how much the state workers getting paid, but also their efficiency. Now Jerry Brown please do something about that. 20 mil savings in cell phone is nothing in this budget hole.
Changing the culture of CA state employees? Good luck with that. Slashing 20M in free phones is a good start. I never understood why so many still make fun of Brown when many of his ideas have been vindicated over time (like launching a satellite for emergency communications).
Also look in the past when the Governor's mansion was being worked on in CA. Brown moved into a 2 bedroom apartment during the work. Gov. Perry of Texas moved into a huge mansion. Which governor used tax payer money more efficiently?
or real life example which you have nothing to counter with, and nothing meaningful to add. Carry on.
but it's just the sort of thing you and many of your like minded friends use to build your entire arguments on.
kinda like talking about sanctuary cities (yet not naming any!) during one's address to the senate when the state is facing a $20 billion budget shortfall.
Healthcare reform is the law of the land and the attempt to repeal it will create "a symbolic anecdote that is not compelling or convincing" and is "a talking point only." Try again, brah.
The cell phones are the tip of the iceberg -- dude's budget proposal has everyone talking here, from both sides. It's radical but also preserves what there is of K-12 (the future) and a lot of key services for the poorest. We'll see how he negotiates the legislature. UC, sadly, will be the big loser. That's going to be bad for the state in the long run. (I do not work at a UC school, but I am a fan of the system.)
A good leader leads by example, you'd think that somebody who boasts and gripes about "leadership" as much as texxx would know that.
I don't get this, but I get it's like birdwatching, which I also don't understand. It is well-established that a certain set of posters will never truly display consistency, logic or integrity when it comes to an issue of human behavior by a politician. It is all spin for their "team," some occasional humor, and otherwise trollercise. So to point it out is like birdwatching. "Look! A bigtexxx displaying chest feathers and the ceremonial reversal of vehement standards! Oh MY!" (marks in notebook, makes satisfied grin, tear rolls down cheek.)
I'm good with that analogy. :grin: But I don't want to give up on Escape from New York analogies quite yet.
Let's try to stay on topic, guys. I find that you two like to take things to a personal level, as opposed to staying on topic.
