Two Internet Sites Outline California Division
Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone’s proposals for reconstituting California government — or, barring that, dividing the state in half — are outlined on two websites today.
CaliforniaRebellion2012.com is the main portal for keeping track of the latest developments in Stone’s efforts to reform state government. However, Facebook fans can also receive updates via a new page, also titled “California Rebellion.”
Nearly three weeks ago, Stone attracted national attention when he called for Riverside County to lead the way to the formation of a 51st state composed of a dozen other conservative-learning counties.
The state of South California would have a part-time Legislature, with lawmakers meeting only three months every two years — like Texas — and earning $600 per month instead of $400 per day. The new state’s constitution should include a balanced budget provision and property tax protections, akin to those guaranteed under Proposition 13.
There would be no subsidies for illegal immigrants and an emphasis on automating many government functions.
Stone was inspired to propose the idea after passage of the 2011-12 state budget, which shifted more than $14 million in vehicle license fee in- lieu of property tax revenue away from the cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar.
Without the funds, one or more of the recently incorporated cities could face bankruptcy.
Stone said the issue was representative of the “dysfunction” in Sacramento.
He said the state has become a massive welfare distribution center and scares away businesses and entrepreneurs with high taxation and over- regulation.
“I have come to the conclusion that the state of California is too big to govern, that the political priorities of Southern California and Northern California are completely different,” he states on the introductory page to CaliforniaRebellion2010.com.
At the July 12 Board of Supervisors meeting, Stone sought approval for the Executive Office to coordinate a secession summit with representatives from the other dozen counties, but board members were disinclined to support the initiative because of the expenditure of public resources involved.
Several supervisors also expressed reservations about the county taking the lead in moves to de-couple from California.
Stone modified his proposal so that no county personnel would be dedicated to planning the summit — and he set aside language calling for a break from the state, prompting the board to vote in favor of a reform convention, which would be held this fall in Riverside.
