Huber passes law to save state billions, picks up Amador support

Assemblymember Alyson Huber arrived in Jackson Tuesday morning on the heels of learning that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed her legislation, AB 1659 and AB 2130 - which many believe will save California billions of dollars in the coming years. She was also looking forward to announcing some big Amador County names that are behind her.

Huber has described the new bills as combined sunset review process that would disband unnecessary state boards and commissions that are spending money to work on problems that no longer exist. In a 2009 interview with the Ledger Dispatch, Huber expressed frustration that many boards and commissions created to tackle serious problems often take on a life of their own, and sometimes become second careers for ex-legislators, even if the original problem is no longer severe or worth spending major funds on. Huber's sunset review process will force regular reviews of the state's many boards, commissions, agencies and departments. If they can't demonstrate their effectiveness and efficiency, Huber said, they will be automatically eliminated. Huber also described AB 1659 and AB 2130 as "far-reaching, bipartisan governmental reform" that Democrats and Republicans could both get behind.

The bills eventually passed the legislature on an overwhelming vote. Though Schwarzenegger vetoed Huber's bill AB640, which would have given mandatory jail sentences to methamphetamine dealers, he did sign AB 1659 and AB 2130 into law.

"I'm more than ecstatic," Huber remarked Tuesday morning. "There's been a fight to have this process for 20 years, and now we're finally taking action. I'm looking forward to it saving California serious money."

In less than an hour, Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan announced at a press conference that he was officially endorsing Huber's re-election campaign for the 10th Assembly District. "I don't often go out and do endorsements," Ryan told reporters. "But I've worked with her very closely and found her to be a person who really listens, who's very reasonable, very sensible and very committed to this community. She's here in Amador County a lot, and she's engaged and involved. She's done a fabulous job working across the isle."

Amador County Superintendent of Schools Dick Glock also announced he was endorsing Huber. "I've actually never endorsed anyone before," Glock observed. "But from the first time I met Alyson, she cut out the politics. Everyone talks about doing that, but she really walks the walk. I've worked with her on drop-out rates in education, and I think she's thoughtful and looking hard for school funding sources that are stable."

Huber thanked Ryan and Glock, announcing that six other elected officials in Amador County were endorsing her campaign. She also named several well-known farmers, ranchers and fifth-generation residents that were backing her.

"I think she's a breath of fresh air," said long-time resident Anne Lintz. "She's always been very receptive of any ideas the community has and she's not very partisan."

Excerpted from www.ledger-dispatch.com