Would-Be Candidate Speaks to Chamber

How well does a Los Angeles Democrat play in conservative Simi Valley?

Surprisingly well--if her name is State Controller Kathleen Connell.

The possible gubernatorial candidate attracted a crowd of about 80 people at a Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday, pitching her ideas on improving fiscal accountability, public education, the state’s economy, legislative calendar and health care.

Although those topics may sound disparate, Connell said they are all necessary steps on the path toward a vital California.

“Any vision for California has to be based on its financial resources,” said Connell, a former investment banker and business owner.

To bolster those financial resources, California must curb financial waste in bloated bureaucracies and redirect the funds into the state’s lagging public education system, she said.

To that end, Connell touted her office’s audits of MediCal and the Department of Corrections, which showed millions of dollars of overspending annually.

Connell also proposes a “radical plan to reorganize state government.”

She believes in using a two-year budget cycle--to skirt some of the annual budget haggling--and having part-time legislators who have more contact with their districts.

To put more teeth into often-missed budget deadlines, Connell believes lawmakers shouldn’t receive a cent in pay if the deadline is missed. “I think they should be docked [pay] permanently,” she said.

These points won Connell applause among the crowd of conservatives.

“I think she has some excellent ideas,” said Simi Valley City Manager Mike Sedell, who said he valued good policy over partisanship. “The two-year budget idea would benefit local governments immensely.”

Added Mayor Greg Stratton: “She doesn’t sound like [a Democrat], does she? I heard a few tinges though.”