Op-Ed
Opinion: Governor Newsom Has More Than Proven He’s Worthy of Office
When Newsom became lieutenant governor (2011-2019), that tenure allowed him to acquire on-the-job-training, which, in today’s electoral climate seems to be a forgotten asset.
It seems more than 1 million Californians are upset. They are mad at Gov. Gavin Newsom, and – in their minds- that is justification for this very expensive recall election.
I, too, was upset with Newsom long before he became the Golden State’s top leader. It was circa 2010, the period when Newsom initially sought the gubernatorial post. I so wanted to participate in that campaign, but my excitement was short-lived. In deference to Jerry Brown’s candidacy Newsom withdrew, and his decision upset me. Why, you ask? I had longed to support a gubernatorial candidate that displayed capacity, commitment, compassion, competence and, might as well say it, a degree of coolness.
When Newsom became lieutenant governor (2011-2019), that tenure allowed him to acquire on-the-job-training, which, in today’s electoral climate seems to be a forgotten asset.
The lessons I gleaned from observing the lieutenant governor would alleviate any ire. Even prior to holding that position, as mayor of San Francisco from 2004-2011, Newsom weathered controversies, again on-the-job-training. However, all told, nothing like the ones contrived by today’s dissenting voices that have amassed this recall election with some 40-plus contenders. I’ve stopped trying to make sense of it; I just voted my reconstituted anger, “NO” on the recall.
My mind won’t let go of questions I would love to get answers on from the contenders:
- Describe your experience balancing budgets of, let’s say, more than $200 billion?
- What accomplishments did you achieve while serving in elected office?
- Where were you and how did you show up during the raging firestorms of the past and present?
- What are your commitments and plans to mitigate homelessness in California?
- What allocations did you facilitate for small businesses to help them during this COVID-19 pandemic?
- Are you vaccinated against COVID-19? Have you encouraged others to get vaccinated?
Of course, there are many more questions I’d love to get answers to but, I am busy organizing and planning because, when the smoke clears and the drought ends, I want a clear conscious and an experienced leader.
