California: John Burton

State Superintendent for Public Instruction Jack O'Connell discusses the impact of the budget on education today, and it's predictably negative.  After going through the particulars ($7.4 billion cut to Prop. 98 funding, additional flexibility for local control, a repayment measure on the ballot to return $9.8 billion to education under Prop. 98 in the future), he makes a strong announcement:
The painful budget process at our state and local school district level calls out for reform of California's dysfunctional budgeting process. It is time for a sincere and frank conversation about reform. Central to this conversation is the idea of throwing out the two-thirds vote requirement to pass a budget and simply using a majority vote.

We are offended by the content of a recent anonymous website posting.  The complaint referenced underwent a thorough independent investigation, and it was found that there was no corroborating evidence to the claim of sexual harassment.  

We, the undersigned, have worked for John Burton collectively for a period of 180 years.  During that time we never witnessed, or heard of, any sexual harassment by John Burton against any employees or acquaintances, and we’re prepared to testify to that under oath.  This includes staff members Michele Byrnes and Amy Lemley who worked for the Foundation at the time of the complaint.

John may have dropped an “F” Bomb here and there, but throughout our individual and collective careers, he has always shown us respect and gratitude.

Endorsements for CDP Executive Offices were considered at last night's Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee meeting.  As expected, the Committee voted to endorse Eric Bauman for Male Vice-Chair by voice vote; the committee did not take up the issue of Female Vice-Chair, as Alex Rooker was not in attendance and could not make it.

The endorsement for Chair, however, was very interesting.  Chris Finnie spoke on behalf of her candidacy, and got quite a loud ovation despite having laryngitis and having practically no voice.  After Finnie's speech, someone made a motion from the floor to endorse John Burton for chair.  That motion was soundly rejected, with only 50 voting for, and more than 90 voting against.

STATE CAPITOL - For at least a few hours, Republicans and Democrats alike exchanged well wishes and paused to acknowledge the significance of elected office, with swearing-in ceremonies in both the state Senate and Assembly chambers Monday.

Before the formal swearing in of 24 new Assembly members and 11 new state Senators, family members and friends crowded the chamber floors, while the new and returning politicians made acquaintances with fellows on both sides of the aisle.