Reasons why California is difficult to govern
Ken and John believe that political diversity is the largest problem that has made any leadership unable to proficiently govern California. The author states that, “no single political adjective or phrase can capture California’s political diversity, in terms of the bulk state voters.” Geographically, there are metropolitan counties and San Francisco bay counties that present conflicting political views and ideas. In the two differing parties, “About 75% of the state’s voters and its main partisan and ideological division” are present. The San Francisco Bay is quite significant to the Democrat party since it significantly contributes to the party’s continual success by voting for its candidates. On the other hand, the southern counties, with the exception of Los Angeles, are supporters of republican and Conservative Party. Members elected from the various parties often fail to agree on the challenges facing California. With this political multiplicity, the Democrat administration under President Bush and Obama has considerably found it hard to govern California. Management of California’s population requires more resources than the state can provide. “Healthcare is the second largest item in the state’s general budget.” With this huge, culturally and politically diverse population, the state government find it exceptionally difficult to govern the region.
Additionally, the author believes that California has a considerably high population (37.6 million) that strains the state’s ability to provide social amenities. There has been urban sprawl in many cities, in California. Land is continuously becoming scarce and housing facilities are becoming scarce. “Housing developments appear on what was once agricultural land.” California fails to meet the growing demand for food while its leadership finds it rather challenging to manage the huge and diverse population.
California has a strong economy. However, it is exposed to rampant economic changes such as economic depressions. The authors present this as one of the main factors that have presented a major challenge to the state’s government. The per capita income is considerably low while the cost of living is exceptionally high. The majority of its population is poor and this presents an economic disunion that significantly features in the politics of California. “The gap between rich and poor continues to grow” Coupled with the ethnic and racial disparities, the unstable California’s economy becomes a challenge to its authorities.
Analysis of Mr. Tim Draper's proposed solutions to the challenges
I frankly believe that Tim Draper wants the best out of the California state. However, his approach for splitting California State into six will consequently come along with problematic issues. His plan to rebuild the state lacks due diligence because, when results are considered, people in the developed state will suffer.
One of the consequences of the Draper’s approach involves the inevitably rising taxes. The tax that is now distributed among the populations of over thirty-eight million people will imply that each created state will develop institutional functions that are carried out by the national government. The developed states will require the development of institutions such as police systems, prison facilities, and education institution among others. The revenue need to carry out this function will be corrected from the citizens in the Draper’s six states. Consequently, this will inevitably raise taxes.
Another problematic issue that will rise as a result of Draper’s approach is the problem of the correctional facilities. While prison inmates come from the urban areas, the correctional facilities are mainly located in the rural areas, hence creating employment opportunities. If the Draper’s proposal goes through, it implies that the prisoners will be relocated to the state that they come from. However, this will be a serious problem because states like “Silicon Valley” and “West California” will be reassured to build large and many correction facilities to accommodate the significant number of inmates in the rural areas.
Therefore, I strongly believe that the solution for California State requires streamlining the bureaucracies and reforming onerous regulation. I believe that the state can do better on its own without bringing it to the ground.
