Opinion: Jerry Brown: the best Democratic governor a conservative could ask for

To the editor: Reporter John Myers forgot to include the most impressive words I have ever heard come out of the mouth of Gov. Jerry Brown. (“Gov. Jerry Brown looks back, pushes forward in his final State of the State speech,” Jan. 26)

Last year, when defending the increase in the gasoline tax, Brown said this: “And now there will be some critics who will say, ‘Oh, it costs money.’ Yes, it costs money, and if the roof on your house is leaking, you better fix it because it gets worse all the time.”

It was a beautiful moment that fine afternoon I heard this while driving home from work. The sheer brilliance of his verbal simplicity was on display, and I admired his honesty in the matter — rare for a person in his position.

I will miss Brown. He is one of the very few Democrats I know of who has any sense of fiscal responsibility and the courage to budget by it.

Arthur G. Saginian, Santa Clarita

..

To the editor: Dear Gov. Brown:

I just turned 75. By giving us your life and brilliant attention, you have made my life so much easier. Thank you for protecting what I have depended on for so many years.

You are a major reason that it’s fortunate for us to live in California.

Laura Meyers, Marina del Rey

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook