Davis Focuses on His Job; Wilson Is Back

Nice to read about Gov. Gray Davis so publicly doing his job (Aug. 13). He was, after all, initially elected to do what the media are covering as “events” -- signing bills, um, signing bills, what else? Where was that coverage when he was out fund-raising all the time in lieu of doing his job?

What is his job? Forging coalitions in the Legislature? Aggressively problem-solving the fallout of the recently passed budget? Dealing with the effects of illegal immigration, a failing infrastructure, bad schools? Providing leadership in an ideologically splintered state?

Maybe he is finally in the position that thousands of Californians have found themselves recently -- worrying about what will happen when they lose that weekly paycheck. Is he worried about job security? He should be. He is the symbol of a failed administration that, instead of the recall, should be the “circus” the media are writing about.

I hope that every new bill from the Department of Motor Vehicles that citizens receive between now and Oct. 7 equates to a “yes” vote to the question “should Davis be recalled?”

Susan Jordan

Sunland

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Re “Schwarzenegger’s Team Is Shuffled,” Aug. 13: Why is it that your headlines keep blaring about the uber candidate, Arnold Schwarzenegger? For the last several days, the front page has slobbered over the non-news of his nonpositions, while the legitimate policy points of legitimate candidates have been relegated to the back pages.

Melonie Magruder

Beverly Hills

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Does no one see the inherent contradiction in Schwarzenegger hiring former Gov. Pete Wilson’s campaign strategists and former aides while simultaneously blaming Davis for the energy crisis, when it was Wilson’s deregulation of the energy industry that caused the whole mess in the first place?

Sandra Wade-Grusky

Pacific Palisades

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Many of Davis’ problems were due to policies that were in place from the Wilson administration, and now Wilson has the nerve to play an active role in recalling his successor.

Can you imagine how Republicans would react if there were a recall (or hopefully, someday, impeachment) of President Bush and former President Clinton was one of the leading players in calling for Bush’s removal?

I think the best way to stop the recall (or at least elect Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante) is to hang Wilson and his team around Arnold’s neck.

Jon Oberman

Long Beach

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Schwarzenegger has made it easy for Bustamante by involving Wilson and by linking himself to Proposition 187. Now, Bustamante will not have to develop a message for Latinos about his solutions to the problems facing the state. He will just tell Latinos: Do not support the racist Republican Party that wanted to deny social services programs to your children. Vote for me because I am Latino.

It is pitiful that many Latinos do not demand more.

Salvador Sanchez

Los Angeles

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Schwarzenegger says he is pro-environment but drives a monstrous Hummer with two empty rows of seating. He wants to lower taxes but promises to expand government to the point where he can give “everyone a great job.” He says he favors gun control but constantly promotes gun violence in his movies. He says he’d make a great governor, but you know what I think? He does not tell the truth.

Alan Johnsdale

Los Angeles

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In recent years, revenues and jobs in business and the film industry have increasingly left California. Consider that highly qualified individuals are discouraged from seeking office due to the dirty campaign tactics of recent elections. Consider that most politicians are lawyers.

So which is really more absurd: electing another political lawyer or a businessman/actor?

Janet Richardson

Newport Beach

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Voting for Schwarzenegger is the political equivalent of believing in alchemy.

John S. Caragozian

Los Angeles

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In the midst of all the confusion and complexity of the recall ballot, there need to be simple instructions on voting procedures. For example, people need to know that they can vote against the recall of Davis and still vote for a candidate for a governor to replace him. They need to know that these are separate measures on the ballot. It is amazing how many well-informed people are confused about this.

Madeline DeAntonio

Encino

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No on recall. Yes for Peter Ueberroth. Best of both worlds, finally.

Mary Ann Keating

Redondo Beach

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With a price tag now estimated at $66 million (Aug. 12), it is time to seriously consider recalling the recall. The original movement was intended to clean out corrupt, not inept, politicians. Although Davis is largely the latter, he certainly is not the former. Changing governors will not fix California’s myriad problems, so spending money we don’t have is an obscenity when children in this state go hungry and the sick go untreated. Repeal the recall now.

John De Simio

Los Angeles