Walking in the Valley A weekly column for those who live and walk in Silicon Valley by Barbara Dahlgren

Don’t Call Me, I’ll Call You Column for the week of July 27-August 2, 2003

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"Don’t call me, I’ll call you,” may be what Governor Gray Davis feels like saying but too bad. Davis will be the first California Governor to face a total recall, which is good news for Arnold Schwarzenegger who is thinking of throwing his hat into the ring. Peter Miguel Camejo (Green Party) and Darrell Issa (Republican) are planning on running against him. Other possibilities could be Bill Simon (lost election to Davis in 2002) or Richard Riordan (former L.A. mayor). Jerry Brown, Condoleezza Rice, Rob Reiner, and Arianna Huffington have shown interest also. Of course you know it’s going to be an interesting race when the newspaper says, “the rules for filing to run are a bit unclear, and the state elections officials are looking into them.” (San Jose Mercury News, July 24, 2003, The Recall: What’s Next)

I realized how old I was when a young man and I were discussing whether or not an actor could be governor of California. “Stranger things have happened,” I said. “Remember Ronald Reagan!”

“Ronald Reagan?” he replied. “Was he an actor?”

I composed myself and tried to come with something he could identify with. “Don’t you remember his name being on the marquee in the movie Back to the Future?”

“Yeah, I always thought that was funny.”

If I were voting for personalities I would have to rule out Arianna because I can’t understand her accent. I kind of feel the same about Arnie, unless he’s saying phrases like, “I’ll be back.” Plus I need a little variety and if you’ve seen one Schwarzenegger movie you’ve seen them all. He’s also been know to puff on those cigars in “non smoking” areas. I’d have to lean toward Rob Reiner. He’s directed all kinds of movies: This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride, Misery, and An American President to name a few. Those last two films alone should give him great political insight. And there is that added perk of having a governor with the nickname “Meathead.”

Whoever gets this coveted position will have his work cut out for him. The cost to California taxpayers for the recall alone will be $25 to $35 million but hey, what’s $25 million here or there when our deficit is $38 BILLION, the highest of all 50 states. The runner up is New York with a paltry $9.3 billion. Along with trying to balance the budget our new gov (or old one if Davis wins) will be facing rising unemployment, recession, and the aftermath of the energy debacle. It won’t be a popular position. In fact Californians have tried to recall every governor since 1960 but Davis will be the first to make it to the ballot. Voters* will be making history when they mark those ballots in October. This recall could accomplish something unique; people may actually go to the polls.

Getting them there is one thing, understanding the ballot will be quite another. Another quote from the SJMN article says, “There is confusion about whether the recall and replacement elections would be on the same ballot.” In a nation who had trouble marking and counting ballots to elect a president, how long do you think it will take to get a governor for California? I can see the headlines now, “Davis demands a recount.”

Maybe the Old Testament had the right idea by casting lots. It couldn’t be any worse than the system we have today. You cast a lot you take your chances. You cast a vote you take your chances. But I guess if you don’t like whom you voted into office you can recall him and cast another vote. Then you can recall that guy and cast another vote. And then who knows what will happen? Davis says he’s going to fight like a Bengal lancer.... oops I mean Bengal tiger. When the dust has settled he may be the one saying, “Don’t call me, I’ll call you!” Don’t you just love living in Crazy California?

©July 2003

Be sure to visit this page every week to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.