Gov. Brown Explains Logic Of His 11th-Hour Bill Signings, Vetoes
BELMONT (KCBS) - Gov. Jerry Brown managed to both satisfy and frustrate just about everybody as he signed and vetoed hundreds of bills over the weekend.
Brown insisted decisions that struck many as contradictory actually demonstrate some clear and consistent principals.
The governor tried to explain to an audience in Belmont why a bill that bans the open carrying of unloaded handguns and another that makes it easier to carry a concealed weapon were both signed.
"There is a phrase called the coincidence of opposites. I can even say it in Latin—coincidentia oppositorum. It means that apparently antagonistic measures can be melded together in a higher unity."
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
Besides the impromptu Latin lesson, Brown also called for a change in the legislative process so that he wouldn't be forced to decide on so many complex and controversial issues in just one month.
"I would like to see things earlier in the process so we can consider them with more time and thought," he said.
KCBS and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier said many of Brown's decisions were clearly meant to placate interest groups on both sides of the aisle.
For example, union ire at a bill making it tougher to open big box stores by requiring more environmental review would be softened by a victory for organized labor, legislation banning alcohol sales at automatic checkout machines.
Matier said collected revenue had again fallen some $300 million below expectations, raising the specter that Brown would have to "pull some of those triggers in the budget that everybody is so afraid of."
KCBS And Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:
You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.
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