Valley Holding Fresh Cards to Open Legislative New Year

The legislative new year got off last week to a start full of flash--and even a little substance. The San Fernando Valley’s two freshman congressmen--Republican James Rogan and Democrat Brad Sherman--were sworn in at Washington ceremonies. Gov. Pete Wilson’s proposed state budget revealed what might be in store for local agencies. And Mayor Richard Riordan’s government reform initiative won a spot on the April ballot.

In Washington, voters got a hint of the legislative styles Sherman and Rogan bring to the House. Both men are overachievers with pedigrees of government service--Rogan as a federal judge and a member of the state Assembly, Sherman as a member of the State Board of Equalization. Both approach their new jobs with a refreshing mix of humor and awe. While Rogan may be more classically charismatic, Sherman hopes to focus on the devilish details of tax reform and Social Security. Both already have secured high-profile committee assignments--Rogan on Commerce and Sherman on Budget and International Relations--where their skills and perspective will be valuable. We urge both to stay on track and not let the trappings of power distract them.

In Sacramento, Wilson’s proposed $65-billion budget held a few promising provisions for northern Los Angeles County. Among them: proposals to change the vote threshold for local school construction bonds, good news for districts with aging facilities such as Glendale and Burbank; about $5 million for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to buy and restore natural habitat along the Los Angeles River; and money to stave off fee hikes at Cal State Northridge as well as Valley and Pierce colleges. Of concern, though, are efforts to phase out government funding for certain state parks and how that might affect access and fees at refuges such as Malibu Creek State Park. In addition, it’s too early to tell how proposed changes in the way welfare is administered might affect the public and private social service agencies that cater to the Valley’s poor. Some fear resources are insufficient to make up for cuts.

Locally, a federal judge rejected complaints from the City Council and ordered Riordan’s charter reform measure onto April’s municipal ballot. What the effort demands now is an active and informed electorate. Riordan’s plan calls for a 15-member elected panel to rewrite the city’s 71-year-old charter.

The year ahead holds promise--and challenges--for the San Fernando and surrounding valleys. Slowly recovering from recession, the state is able to fund local projects. But at what cost to neighbors unable to make ends meet? New representatives in Sacramento and Washington offer the hope of invigorated government. But the biggest effort--and the one with the biggest potential payoff--must come from residents to keep their representatives in line and participate intelligently in government.