A California Republican

In case you haven’t heard, the race for Governor in California is on. The election isn’t until 2010, but that isn’t stopping vairous candidates from mud-slinging already.

Sen. Maldonado and Insurance Commissioner Poizner are battling over taxes. Maldonado is telling everyone that Poizner offers no solutions, only criticism. While Poizner is telling people that he’s the insurance commissioner, not a member of the Legislature, and so didn’t get to participate in this round of solutions - if you could call them solutions.

Part of Sen. Maldonado’s problem is that the hike in sales tax goes into effect today - and so people are going to be feeling a bit more pain when they check out for groceries and thing than they otherwise would. It isn’t the best strategy to run for Governor when you voted for tax hikes.

Here is what Poizner has to say about tax hikes:

 “Perhaps Mr. Maldonado is feeling the heat today given that the sales tax increase he supported will begin tomorrow. That’s part of a tax increase package that will cost the average California family over a thousand dollars a year in higher taxes.

“Raising taxes is a recipe for disaster, not reform. Instead, we need to reform California’s tax code and regulatory structure, streamline and consolidate state agencies, eliminate unnecessary or underperforming government programs, and attract businesses to this state. In the midst of this recession, state leaders should be laser-focused on creating jobs, not raising taxes.

“The era of forty hour lockdowns, irresponsible spending and special deals cut over fancy lunches must end. As Governor, Steve Poizner will lead California in a different direction with smarter, smaller government. No longer will the excuse ‘I had to do it’ be acceptable.

“California can, must and will do better.”

 I agree - we must do better. Bring the spending under control, and do it where it is supposed to be done - in the Legislature and not at the ballot box.