State Sen. Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) had a busy week, issuing multiple statements to the press. On Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget proposal, Blakeslee said: “This budget is troublingly similar to the failed proposals of the Schwarzenegger administration. Perpetuating the status quo without reforms is a prescription for continuing job losses and declining revenues. Instead of relying on the failed policies of the past we should move assertively to modernize the tax code, strengthen our competitiveness, and streamline government operations. I stand ready to work with Governor Brown to craft credible and sustainable solutions that move the state forward.” And following media reports that Brown is expected to appoint John Laird secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, Blakeslee said: “If the speculation is true, I offer John my warmest congratulations on the honor of this appointment. In the four years we served together in the Assembly, John and I found much common ground in the areas of conservation and environmental protection. Although our approaches have sometimes differed, I expect that John and I would again forge a good working relationship as we each continue our efforts to advance environmental protection.”
This article appears in Jan 13-20, 2011.