PD Editorial: Jerry Brown deserves one more term

Given the limited ability of any individual, including the governor, to unilaterally fix California’s greatest problems, Jerry Brown has been about as good as it gets. Certainly good enough to warrant another four years.

Brown, 76, a Democrat, is no political hero. He has his white whales, as we fear the high-speed train and his twin-tunnel proposal for confronting the state’s water demands are becoming.

But he has been what California has needed during a time of austerity and recovery.

Two years ago, he guided the state through a series of budget reductions in response to a $27 billion budget deficit. This year he’s been a champion for restraint as the state enjoys a surplus of $850 million.

During what has been his third term in office - including his first two from 1975 to 1983 - his has been a message of fiscal accountability and major investments in infrastructure. As if to illustrate that point, his campaign for re-election has included advocating for two signature ballot measures, Proposition 1, a $7.5 billion water bond, and?Proposition 2, which calls for the creation of a true rainy day fund.

That speaks volumes about Brown and where the state needs to go.

Brown’s opponent is Republican Neel Kashkari, 41, an articulate, capable former top official with the Treasury Department. He was in the thick of things in Washington in 2008 as the financial world was in danger of collapsing and was instrumental in getting congressional leaders of both parties to pass legislation that helped prevent a complete economic implosion.

He speaks well about the need for job development and education improvements. But Kashkari fails to make a persuasive case for how he would be better suited to work with a Democrat-controlled Legislature to move the state forward, particularly in inland areas that are still searching to recover from the recession.

For governor, Jerry Brown is the better choice.