The outcomes of the November election caused a strong emotional response in many Americans. These reactions, which were broadcast live on election newscasts and social media timelines, featured regular working people, celebrities, TV and film stars, and even current and former politicians, such as our own Governor Gavin Newsom, who swiftly declared his intention to use all available legal and legislative tools to make the state impenetrable to Trump.
By increasing funding for the Attorney General’s office and other state agencies in anticipation of protracted legal disputes with the Trump administration, his plan would ostensibly protect California’s progressive policies against any federal interference. The issue is that this strategy is solely defensive in addressing a grassroots issue that will persist into Trump’s second term.
Enhancing the efficiency of our state government is a far better and proactive strategy that would greatly increase the long-term benefits to all Californians.
The outcomes of this year’s elections have revealed a great deal about our country’s current state and the priorities of its people. For the next forty-five years, the majority of Americans will get up before the sun rises every morning, have a cup of coffee, and go to work. They want to be treated equally and impartially because they put in a lot of effort for their family. They want to feel secure and provide their kids with a modicum of financial stability.
Achieving those modest goals is made possible by basic governance.
The main reason we are dissatisfied with government is because it has failed, according to a 1969 article in the now-defunct Public Interest journal by prominent management consultant, author, and educator Peter Drucker.
His cure is still effective today. A precise definition of the outcomes that a policy is supposed to achieve and a brutal analysis of the achievements in comparison to these expectations are necessary for government improvement. As a result, we must be very specific about the outcomes we hope to achieve rather than relying solely on declarations and pledges.
Achieving results is necessary to overcome disillusionment.
For instance, Proposition 36, which reclassifies some minor larceny and drug offenses as felonies, was overwhelmingly adopted, demonstrating our dissatisfaction with California’s government’s failure to provide results. A prosperous state is built on the fundamental government role of public safety.
Other fundamentals also require attention: Addressing systemic issues with well-balanced policies is necessary to promote a successful economy. enterprises can be kept from leaving, access to essential goods and services can be maintained, and entry-level job possibilities can be maintained by luring enterprises and fostering economic growth through supporting policies rather than onerous regulations and legal barriers.
This strategy provides a much less hostile means to lower unemployment and align California with national economic standards.
And nothing necessitates a more brutal analysis of outcomes than the way our state handles its homeless population. Finally, someone needs to be in control of California’s response to homelessness in order to bring everyone together and concentrate on getting and keeping people off the streets. In a similar vein, putting in place mechanisms to appropriately care for those with mental health and drug addiction problems as well as developing initiatives to integrate lawful immigrants into our communities would give people a way to improve their lives and give them some hope for a better future.
These are the foundational elements that would support Californians’ belief that our elected officials are looking out for our best interests. Our state can set the scene for even larger ambitions on clean air and climate by recommitting to these fundamental principles. Every new law strengthens defenses against possible changes in federal policy and guarantees the preservation of California’s fundamental principles and legal framework.
Establishing preventative obstacles is only one aspect of government effectiveness; another is establishing specific goals and objectives that will benefit constituents and establish our state as a leader in proactive leadership for years to come.
Bob Stonebrook is a Carlsbad-based small company owner. This piece was written by him for CalMatters.
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