Governor Brown's proposal to abolish redevelopment agencies has propelled me into the middle of an intense discussion on what the agencies do, whether they are successful and where the money could be better spent. Brown proposes to shift the $6 billion to public services and education.

For years I've long opposed abuses by California's redevelopment agencies. I authored Redevelopment: The Unknown Government, founded Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform (MORR), and organized semi-annual statewide conferences.

I became part of a network of citizen activists, small property owners, attorneys and independent elected officials concerned about waste and abuse by redevelopment agencies. While serving on the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency, I did support funding public infrastructure, but opposed tax giveaways to private developers and the abuse of eminent domain. Among the most successful, Downtown Fullerton businesses received no redevelopment subsidies, and the city did not use massive demolition similar to the City of Anaheim.

I've had numerous newspaper, radio and television interviews and will be in a debate next week at the Sacramento Press Club. Recent publications can be accessed here. I've also found common cause with the teachers unions who long opposed my support of parental choice and school accountability. The CTA sees redevelopment funds now spent on private development as a source to fully fund public education. Tax dollars for classrooms, not Costco's.

These issues extend far beyond the fate of the redevelopment agencies and into the irrationalities and inequities of city and school finance. I'm excited to be in the middle of the discussion.

In fact, even the State Controller's Office announced earlier this week that they will be auditing several redevelopment agencies of California cities. Access the announcement here.

I am a co-author of AB 46, which dis-incorporates the City of Vernon. This compact industrial town of barely 90 people rests just southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. 

All voters are employed by the city and live in city-owned housing. Should any resident challenge the existing council or city manager, they would lose their jobs and homes. Council members make $68,052 annually and serve as long they like without fear of political challengers.

Homes are never sold nor rented to outsiders. When an unauthorized resident did register to vote and file for a council seat in 2006 he was arrested by the Vernon Police Department.

At $785,000 City Manager Donald O'Callaghan was the second highest public official in the state-only to Bell's Robert Rizzo, who made more. Like Rizzo, O'Callaghan fled under corruption charges last year. Unlike Bell, however, there will be no recall or changes on the council because there are no independent voters. No one in Vernon is outraged over corruption because the tiny handful of residents are all in on the deal.

Surrounding impoverished communities like Bell, Huntington Park and Maywood are directly impacted by Vernon's activities, which include plans for a huge new municipal power plant. But they have no say, nor any share in the tax revenues. Vernon's per-capita sales tax revenues of $56,891 (state average: $160) rank it by far the richest city government in the state.

Assembly Speaker Pérez represents Vernon and wrote AB 46. With two Republican co-authors, the bill's prospects look good. Vernon cannot be allowed to continue as a self-perpetuating, anti-democratic entity accountable to no one.

The other municipality most similar to Vernon is the City of Industry. None of its council members have been elected. Its mayor owns the municipal trash company. Industry has extensive holdings next to Brea, where it seeks to dam and flood the old Firestone Boy Scout Reservation.

Both Industry and Vernon have been subjected to numerous investigations by the L.A. County DA. Corruption has placed many in prison. Yet, without a free electorate, neither can ever right themselves. If Vernon goes, the legislature should look at Industry next. The creative corruption of cities like these cost all California citizens.

I now serve on the Assembly Local Government Committee, where it is possible to work across party lines to strengthen democracy in California.

Congratulations to my Senior Field Representative Craig Green for his appointment as City Treasurer of Placentia. Green was named by the council to fill the remaining two years of newly elected Councilman Chad Wanke's term.

As the position of Treasurer in Placentia is elected, Craig has some autonomy. Since the responsibilities are part-time and meetings largely at night, he'll continue to work out of my local office in Brea along with District Director Bruce Whitaker.

As always, I enjoy reading and responding to your comments and feedback, so keep them coming!