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Speeches - Governor Ronald Reagan, 1967 [01/01/1967-04/01/1967]
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Speeches - Governor Ronald Reagan, 1967 [01/01/1967-04/01/1967]
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Governor Ronald Reagan's Speeches
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Reagan, Ronald: Gubernatorial Papers,
1966-74: Press Unit
Folder Title: Speeches - Governor Ronald Reagan, 1967
[01/01/1967-04/01/1967]
Box: P17
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
1967
P29
INDEX
1-7
Statement to the Legislature
1-3
Remarks at Oath-Taking Ceremony
1-5
Inaugural Message
1-11
California Teachers Association Legislative Seminar
1-16
Crime Message to Legislature
1-17
Tuition Message to Legislature
1-23
Welfare Message to Legislature
1-24
Tuition by Theodore R. Meyer
1-26
University of California Inquiry
2-3
California Newspaper Publishers Association Banquet
2-9
Agriculture Message to Legislature
2-11
Remarks to Marchers - West Steps of Capitol
2-14
Statement on Cutbacks of Interstate and Federal Aid Highway Prgms
2-16
Waste Management Message to Legislature
2-28
California Judicial Selection Act Statement
3-13
Colorado River & National Water Commission Legislation Statement
3-28
Business and Professions Senate Standing Committee Statement
by Philip M. Battaglia
3-29
Education Message to Legislature
3-31 California Republican Assembly - Long Beach
4-5
State Park System Message to Legislature
4-6
Secret Ballot Message to Legislature
4-11
Traffic Safety Program Message to Legislature
4-17
Senate Committee on Interior & Insular Affairs Statement
by Philip M. Battaglia
4-29
University of Southern California Law Day Luncheon
5-3
Colorado River Legislation Statement
5-4
Public Works Subcommittee, Committee on Appropriations,
United States House of Representatives
5-6
United Republicans of California Convention - Long Reach
5-16
Merchants & Manufacturers Association Barquet - Los Angeles
5-20
Installation of President Robert Fill
6-1
Supplementary Tax Message to Legislature
6-6
Marine Technology Society Banquet - San Diego
6-8
Pacific Coast Builders Association Banquet - San Francisco
6-11
Israel Rally - Hollywood Bowl -
1967
INDEX
7-10
Fact Finding Conference on Welfare Fraud
7-13
National Conference of Lieutenant Governors
7-26
Los Angeles Breakfast Club
8-14
Downtown Rotary Club of Fresno (Remarks by P. Battaglia)
8-14
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce (Remarks by P. Battaglia)
8-15
San Diego Kiwanis Club (Remarks by P. Battaglia)
8-17
Los Angeles Press Club (Remarks by P. Battaglia)
8-18
Commonwealth Club of California (Remarks by P. Battaglia)
9-8
Sacramento Host Committee Breakfast
9-9
Delta Pumping Plant - Dedication Ceremonies
9-13
Port of Oakland Dinner
9-19
UPI Editors' Conference
9-20
Governors' Conference on Medicaid
9-23
Republican State Convention
9-26
California Real Estate Association Convention
9-28
Eureka College
9-29
South Carolina Republican State Central Committee
9-30
Republican State Central Committee, Milwaukee
10-12
California Federation of Republican Women Banquet
10-14
Louisville, Kentucky
10-26
Alf Landon Lecture, Kansas State University
10-31
Chile-California Conference
11-8
California Institute of Technology Banquet
11-10
Seattle, Washington
11-11
Veterans Day Address - Albany, Oregon
11-16
Youth Opportunities Foundation Scholarship Fund Banquet
11-27
California Medical Assistance Program - Message to Legislature
11-30
National Conference of State Legislative Leaders
12-14
Governor's Traffic Safety Conference
6-12
National Institute on Crime & Delinquency - Anaheim
6-15
California Broadcasters Association - San Francisco
6-19
National Sheriffs' Association - Las Vegas, Nevada
6-22
Young Republicans' Convention - Omaha, Nebraska
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
PMs Release 1.2.67
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN TO THE LEGISLATURE
Mr. President, Mr. President Pro Tem, Mr. Speaker and Members:
It is indeed an honor for me to be here today and let me assure
you I am looking forward to meeting with you not only jointly but
also as individuals as collectively we work together to meet and solve
the tremendous problems that confront this great and growing state.
The people of California last fall took a major step in helping
the executive and the legislative branches deal with these problems.
Just as it was necessary to revise and revamp the Constitution to
allow the Legislature the opportunity to function better and more
efficiently, so do I believe that substantial reorganization of the
executive branch is necessary if we are to serve the people efficiently
and economically.
The state government has increased in size enormously in recent
years. It is my intention to reduce the executive branch as much as
is consistent with the effective provision of needed governmental
services.
The agency plan adopted in 1961 was designed to enable the Governor
to transmit his policies to the many agencies of the state government
effectively and quickly and to ensure that those policies would be
adopted in a coordinated way. These results have not been achieved.
The only way governmental services can be provided in a useful,
effective and economical way is through coordinated action of a unified,
well-organized executive branch carrying out policies established after
proper consultation with all who are affected. Our executive branch
-1-
cannot operate in this way unless the many agencies, bureaus and
departments are grouped together in a logical manner and their day-to-
day activities are coordinated by executives operating out of the
Governor's Office.
I also believe that far more effective fiscal control and manage-
ment can be obtained if we have a Director of the Budget working out
of the Governor's Office, performing overall review of programs, budgets
and expenditures.
It is my hope, too, that such an officer will speed adoption of
program budgeting by all agencies so that we will have a far better
idea of how much particular activities of government are costing the
state on a year-to-year basis, and whether or not we might not obta
more for our money.
I am convinced both by the unanimity of the recommendations that
have been made over the years and by the logic of the proposal itself
that we should consolidate all of our tax collecting agencies into a
responsible, streamlined Department of Revenue with a Director appointed
and removable by the Governor and removable for cause by the Legislature.
Proposition I-A, which was adopted by the voters by an overwhelming
margin, authorized the Legislature to grant to the Governor the duty to
draft plans to reorganize the executive branch of the state, and it is
my earnest hope that the Legislature will adopt legislation allowing us
to proceed with this vitally needed work as soon as possible.
I recommend that we follow the Hoover Commission model under which
these reorganization plans, once drafted, will take effect unless
disapproved by a vote of both houses of the Legislature.
1.1.67/RR
-2-
Insugural Invocation
und Praver breakfast
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN'S REMARKS
invocation delivered
y The Reverend Donald
Oath Taking Ceremony
Moomaw.
State Capitol Rotunda
Tuesday, January 2 1967
Monday
12:14 A.m. 12:14
Well, George, here we are on the late show again
(laughter).
I couldn't help that. I want you to know that this moment
is not taken as lightly as such a remark might indicate.
Somehow, I'm sure you can all imagine envisioning ahead
something that was going to take place, and, somehow, it didn't
in my mind or my imagination turn out this way. When the decision
was made to do this at this hour, and I don't know what the stars
prescribed, we had our reasons for doing it at this hour, I had a
vision of a few of us here quietly doing this in a minute and a
half and being on our way. Now, even though the picture has changed,
I'm happy the way it has changed.
I'm deeply honored, Justice McComb, that you would come here
at this odd hour and this inconvenient time to do this. And I'm
very proud and happy, thanks to Bob (Finch), and his relationship,
too, that Senator Murphy could be here, because his friendship and
mine is of long standing.
I am here with those I love the most in all the world and
with friends who have come to share this moment. And I am fully
cognizant of the importance of this and what it means to so many
people.
I wouldn't be able to figure or state how this moment arrived,
or by what course or plan I found myself in this position.
(Wilbur choy)
Reverend/, perhaps you weren't a part of my imagining of what
this moment would be, but I am deeply grateful for your presence
because you remind us, and bring here, the presence of someone else,
without whose presence I certainly wouldn't have the nerve to do what
I am going to try to do.
Someone back in our history, I wasn't too good a student, but
I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said, "If ever someone could take
public office and bring to public office the teachings and the precepts
of the prince of peace, he would revolutionize the world and men would
be remembering him for a thousand years." I don't think anyone could
ever take office and be so presumptuous to believe he could do that or
that he could follow those precepts completely. I can tell you this,
I'll try very hard. I think it is needed in today's world.
# # #
Inaugural Message of
RONALD REAGAN
Governor
Delivered during Inougural Ceremonies
of the State Capitol
January 5, 1967
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
RONALD REAGAN
GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA
Lieutenant Governor Finch, fellow Constitutional
Officers, Justice McComb, Honorable Members of the
Congress, President pro Tem Burns and Members of
the Senate, Speaker Unruh and Members of the
Assembly, Distinguished Guests:
To a number of us, this is a first and hence a
solemn and momentous occasion, and yet, on the
broad page of state and national history, what is
taking place here is almost commonplace routine.
We are participating in the orderly transfer of ad-
ministrative authority by direction of the people. And
this is the simple magic which makes a commonplace
routine a near miracle to many of the world's in-
habitants: the continuing fact that the people, by
democratic process, can delegate this power, yet re-
tain custody of it.
Perhaps you and I have lived with this miracle
too long to be properly appreciative. Freedom is a
fragile thing and is never more than one generation
away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance;
it must be fought for and defended constantly by each
generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those
who have known freedom and then lost it have never
known it again.
Knowing this, it is hard to explain those who even
today would question the people's capacity for self-
rule. Will they answer this: If no one among us is
capable of governing himself, then who among us
has the capacity to govern someone else? Using the
1
temporary authority granted by the people, an in-
the people. Along this path government will lead but
creasing number lately have sought to control the
not rule, listen but not lecture. It is the path of a
means of production as if this could be done without
Creative Society.
eventually controlling those who produce. Always
A number of problems were discussed during the
this is explained as necessary to the people's welfare.
campaign and I see no reason to change the subject
But, "The deterioration of every government begins
now. Campaign oratory on the issues of crime, pollu-
with the decay of the principle upon which it was
tion of air and water, conservation, welfare and ex-
founded.' This is as true today as it was when it
panded educational facilities does not mean the issues
was written in 1748.
will go away because the campaign has ended. Prob-
Government is the people's business, and every
lems remain to be solved and they challenge all of us.
man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with
Government will lead, of course, but the answer must
the first penny of tax paid. With all the profound
come from all of you.
wording of the Constitution, probably the most mean-
We will make specific proposals and we will solicit
ingful words are the first three, "We, the People."
other ideas. In the area of crime, where we have dou-
Those of us here today who have been elected to con-
ble our proportionate share, we will propose legisla-
stitutional office or legislative position are in that
tion to give back to local communities the right to pass
three-word phrase. We are of the people, chosen by
and enforce ordinances which will enable the police
them to see that no permanent structure of govern-
to more adequately protect these communities. Legis-
ment ever encroaches on freedom or assumes a power
lation already drafted will be submitted, calling upon
beyond that freely granted by the people. We stand
the Legislature clearly to state in the future whether
between the taxpayer and the taxspender.
newly adopted laws are intended to preempt the right
of local governments to legislate in the same field.
It is inconceivable to me that anyone could accept
Hopefully, this will free judges from having to guess
this delegated authority without asking God's help. I
the intent of those who passed the legislation in the
pray that we who legislate and administer will be
first place.
granted wisdom and strength beyond our own limited
At the same time, I pledge my support and fullest
power; that with divine guidance we can avoid easy
expedients as we work to build a state where liberty
effort to a plan which will remove from politics, once
under law and justice can triumph, where compassion
and for all, the appointment of judges
not that I
believe I'll be overburdened with making judicial ap-
can govern and wherein the people can participate
and prosper because of their government and not in
pointments in the immediate future.
spite of it.
Just as we assume a responsibility to guard our
young people up to a certain age from the possible
The path we will chart is not an easy one. It de-
harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco, SO do I believe
mands much of those chosen to govern, but also from
we have a right and a responsibility to protect them
those who did the choosing. And let there be no mis-
from the even more harmful effects of exposure to
take about this: We have come to a crossroad-a time
smut and pornography. We can and must frame legis-
of decision-and the path we follow turns away from
lation that will accomplish this purpose without en-
any idea that government and those who serve it are
dangering freedom of speech and the press.
omnipotent. It is a path impossible to follow unless
When fiscally feasible, we hope to create a Cali-
we have faith in the collective wisdom and genius of
fornia crime technological foundation utilizing both
2
3
public and private resources in a major effort to
A truly great citizen of our state and a fine Amer-
employ the most scientific techniques to control crime.
ican, Mr. H. C. McClellan, has agreed to institute a
At such a time, we should explore the idea of a state
statewide program patterned after the one he directed
police academy to assure that police from even the
SO successfully in the "curfew area" of Los Angeles.
smallest communities can have the most advanced
There, in the year and a half since the tragic riots,
training. We lead the nation in many things; we are
fully half of the unemployed have been channeled
going to stop leading in crime. Californians should
into productive jobs in private industry, and more
be able to walk our streets safely day or night. The
than 2,600 businesses are involved. Mr. McClellan
law abiding are entitled to at least as much protec-
will be serving without pay and the entire statewide
tion as the lawbreakers.
program will be privately financed. While it will be
While on the subject of crime
those with a
directed at all who lack opportunity, it offers hope
grievance can seek redress in the courts or Legisla-
especially to those minorities who have a dispropor-
ture, but not in the streets. Lawlessness by the mob,
tionate share of poverty and unemployment.
as with the individual, will not be tolerated. We will
In the whole area of welfare, everything will be
act firmly and quickly to put down riot or insurrec-
done to reduce administrative overhead, cut red tape
tion wherever and whenever the situation requires.
and return control as much as possible to the county
Welfare is another of our major problems. We are
level. And the goal will be investment in, and salvage
a humane and generous people and we accept without
of, human beings.
reservation our obligation to help the aged, disabled
This administration will cooperate with the State
and those unfortunates who, through no fault of their
Superintendent of Public Instruction in his expressed
own, must depend on their fellow man. But we are
desires to return more control of curriculum and se-
not going to perpetuate poverty by substituting a
lection of textbooks to local school districts. We will
permanent dole for a paycheck. There is no humanity
support his efforts to make recruitment of out-of-
or charity in destroying self-reliance, dignity and
state teachers less difficult.
self-respect
the very substance of moral fiber.
On the subject of education
hundreds of thou-
We seek reforms that will, wherever possible,
sands of young men and women will receive an educa-
change relief check to paycheck. Spencer Williams,
tion in our state colleges and universities. We are
Administrator of Health and Welfare, is assessing
proud of our ability to provide this opportunity for
the amount of work that could be done in public
our youth and we believe it is no denial of academic
installations by welfare recipients. This is not being
freedom to provide this education within a framework
done in any punitive sense, but as a beginning step
of reasonable rules and regulations. Nor is it a viola-
in rehabilitation to give the individual the self-respect
tion of individual rights to require obedience to these
that goes with performing a useful service.
rules and regulations or to insist that those unwilling
But this is not the ultimate answer. Only private
to abide by them should get their education elsewhere.
industry in the last analysis can provide jobs with
It does not constitute political interference with in-
a future. Lieutenant Governor Robert Finch will be
tellectual freedom for the taxpaying citizens-who
liaison between government and the private sector
support the college and university systems-to ask
in an all-out program of job training and education
that, in addition to teaching, they build character on
leading to real employment.
accepted moral and ethical standards.
4
5
Just as a man is entitled to a voice in government,
There are other problems and possible problems
SO he should certainly have that right in the very per-
facing us. One such is now pending before the United
sonal matter of earning a living. I have always sup-
States Supreme Court. I believe it would be inapro-
ported the principle of the union shop even though
priate to discuss that matter now, but we will be pre-
that includes a certain amount of compulsion with re-
pared with remedial legislation we devoutly hope will
gard to union membership. For that reason it seems to
be satisfactory to all of our citizens if court rulings
me that government must accept a responsibility for
make this necessary.
safeguarding each union member's democratic rights
This is only a partial accounting of our problems
within his union. For that reason we will submit legis-
and our dreams for the future. California, with its
lative proposals to guarantee each union member a
climate, its resources and its wealth of young, aggres-
secret ballot in his union on policy matters and the use
sive, talented people, must never take second place.
of union dues.
We can provide jobs for all our people who will work
There is also need for a mediation service in labor-
and we can have honest government at a price we can
management disputes not covered by existing law.
afford. Indeed, unless we accomplish this, our problems
There are improvements to be made in workmen's
will go unsolved, our dreams unfulfilled and we will
compensation in death benefits and benefits to the per-
know the taste of ashes.
manently disabled. At the same time, a tightening of
I have put off until last what is by no means least
procedures is needed to free business from some unjust
among our problems. Our fiscal situation has a sorry
burdens.
similarity to the situation of a jetliner out over the
A close liaison with our congressional representa-
North Atlantic, Paris bound. The pilot announced he
tives in Washington, both Democratic and Republican,
had news-some good, some bad-and he would give
is needed SO that we can help bring about beneficial
the bad news first. They had lost radio contact; their
changes in social security, secure less restrictive con-
compass and altimeter were not working; they didn't
trols on federal grants and work for a tax retention
know their altitude, direction or where they were
plan that will keep some of our federal taxes here for
headed. Then he gave the good news-they had a 100-
our use with no strings attached. We should strive
mile-an-hour tailwind and they were ahead of sched-
also to get tax credits for our people to help defray
ule.
the cost of sending their children to college.
Our fiscal year began July 1st and will end on the
We will support a bipartisan effort to lift the ar-
coming June 30th-six months from now. The present
chaic 160-acre limitation imposed by the federal gov-
budget for this 12-month period is $4.6 billion, an all-
ernment on irrigated farms. Restrictive labor policies
time high for any of the 50 states. When this budget
should never again be the cause of crops rotting in the
was presented, it was admittedly in excess of the esti-
fields for lack of harvesters.
mated tax revenues for the year. It was adopted with
Here in our own Capitol, we will seek solutions to
the assurance that a change in bookkeeping pro-
cedures would solve this imbalance.
the problems of unrealistic taxes which threaten eco-
nomic ruin to our biggest industry. We will work with
With half the year gone, and faced now with the
the farmer as we will with business, industry and
job of planning next year's budget, we have an esti-
labor to provide a better business climate SO that they
mate provided by the experienced personnel of the
may prosper and we all may prosper.
Department of Finance. We have also an explanation
6
7
of how a change in bookkeeping could seemingly bal-
For many years now, you and I have been shushed
ance a budget that called for spending $400 million
like children and told there are no simple answers to
more than we would take in.
the complex problems which are beyond our compre-
hension.
Very simply, it was just another one-time windfall
-a gimmick that solved nothing but only postponed
Well, the truth is, there are simple answers-there
the day of reckoning. We are financing the 12-month
just are not easy ones. The time has come for us to
spending with 15-month income. All the tax revenues
decide whether collectively we can afford everything
for the first quarter of next year-July, August, and
and anything we think of simply because we think
September-will be used to finance this year's ex-
of it. The time has come to run a check to see if all
penses up to June 30th. And incidentally, even that
the services government provides were in answer to
isn't enough, because we will still have a deficit of
demands or were just goodies dreamed up for our
some $63 million.
supposed betterment. The time has come to match
outgo to income, instead of always doing it the other
Now, with the budget established at its present level,
way around.
we are told that it, of course, must be increased next
year to meet the added problems of population growth
The cost of California's government is too high;
and inflation. But the magic of the changed bookkeep-
it adversely affects our business climate. We have a
ing is all used up. We are back to only 12 months'
phenomenal growth with hundreds of thousands of
income for 12 months' spending. Almost automatically
people joining us each year. Of course the overall
we are being advised of all the new and increased
cost of government must go up to provide necessary
taxes which, if adopted, will solve the problem. Curi-
services for these newcomers, but growth should mean
ously enough, another one-time windfall is being
increased prosperity and thus a lightening of the load
urged. If we switch to withholding of personal income
each individual must bear. If this isn't true, then
tax, we will collect two years' taxes the first year and
you and I should be planning how we can put up a
postpone our moment of truth perhaps until everyone
fence along the Colorado River and seal our borders.
forgets we did not cause the problem-we only in-
Well, we aren't going to do that. We are going to
herited it. Or maybe we are to stall, hoping a rich
squeeze and cut and trim until we reduce the cost of
uncle will remember us in his will.
government. It won't be easy, nor will it be pleasant,
If we accept the present budget as absolutely neces-
and it will involve every department of government,
sary and add on projected increases plus funding for
starting with the Governor's office. I have already
property tax relief (which I believe is absolutely es-
informed the Legislature of the reorganization we
sential and for which we are preparing a detailed and
hope to effect with their help in the executive branch
comprehensive program), our deficit in the coming
and I have asked for their cooperation and support.
year would reach three-quarters of a billion dollars.
The new Director of Finance is in complete agree-
ment that we turn to additional sources of revenue
But Californians are already burdened with com-
only if it becomes clear that economies alone cannot
bined state and local taxes $113 per capita higher
balance the budget.
than the national average. Our property tax contrib-
utes to a slump in the real estate and building trades
Disraeli said: "Man is not a creature of circum-
industries and makes it well nigh impossible for many
stances. Circumstances are the creatures of men."
citizens to continue owning their own homes.
You and I will shape our circumstances to fit our
needs.
8
9
Let me reaffirm a promise made during the months
of campaigning. I believe in your right to know all
the facts concerning the people's business. Independ-
ent firms are making an audit of state finances. When
it is completed, you will have that audit. You will
have all the information you need to make the deci-
sions which must be made. This is not just a problem
for the administration; it is a problem for all of us
to solve together. I know that you can face any pros-
pect and do anything that has to be done as long
as you know the truth of what you are up against.
We will put our fiscal house in order. And as we
do, we will build those things we need to make our
state a better place in which to live and we will
enjoy them more, knowing we can afford them and
they are paid for.
If, in glancing aloft, some of you were puzzled by
the small size of our State Flag
there is an ex-
planation. That flag was carried into battle in Vietnam
by young men of California. Many will not be coming
home. One did-Sergeant Robert Howell, grievously
wounded. He brought that flag back. I thought we
would be proud to have it fly over the Capitol today.
It might even serve to put our problems in better
perspective. It might remind us of the need to give
our sons and daughters a cause to believe in and
banners to follow.
If this is a dream, it is a good dream, worthy of
our generation and worth passing on to the next.
Let this day mark the beginning.
Ronald Reagan
Governor
printed in CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF STATE PRINTING
93006-401 4-67 1M
Address by
tion with regard to federal aid to edu-
cation.
Gov. Ronald W. Reagan
I am only too aware that the federal
California Teachers Association Legislative Seminar
government has preempted much of the
tax base, and this has made it neces-
Sacramento, January 11, 1967
sary for us to turn to the federal gov-
Fellow members of the Administra-
not so
first, because, even with the
ernment for aid. Since the federal
n, the Legislature, ladies and gentle-
miracle of electronic communications,
government created the need in the
men of the California Teachers Asso-
it is impossible to reach and personally
first place, it follows that the federal
ciation, ladies and gentlemen of the
regale even a fraction of the populace
government has the responsibility to
press: I am accompanied by familiar
with your many charms and virtues,
help meet that need, and in truth, it
faces here and not only from the Ad-
and, second, because, due to the nature
would seein that they are doing just
stration. I had the pleasure of
of a campaign, there are others abroad
that
except that when we have
meeting your Executive Secretary,
who are more or less vocal with a
federal aid to education when it is
Jack Rees, sometime ago and having
somewhat different evaluation of those
forthcoming
the
gift
is
not
uncon-
a visit with him. I appreciated this.
charms and virtues.
ditional. It comes with some strings
I know that education, which should
Now there is one label that I do
attached.
be the subject of this evening's few
accept out of all that have been applied
This is a country that was founded
remarks by me, is a very broad subject
recently. I am a Republican. But I am
on the idea that when a lower echelon
and, therefore, I am sure you will
a Republican without a hyphen. I am
of government has difficulty meeting
understand that it is only in the interest
neither a Left, nor a Right, nor a Main-
its responsibility, the next higher eche-
of time that I confine myself to those
stream, nor even an over-there-in-the-
lon of government has the responsi-
parts of education that stop short of
ripples-and-shallows-Republican
bility to try to help, in whatever way
the university and college system. Stick
It is my belief that the Party which
it can, that lower echelon accomplish
around, I'm working up to getting
I represent is polarized around a policy
its purpose.
hung in a hospital.
of adherence to constitutional limits on
It does not have a responsibility to
I'm trying to get some comfort from
the power of government, and fiscal
automatically take all the authority
the story of a man who was going down
responsibility, and that government, to
and the function away from that lower
the road one day with his son, leading
be effective and to be just, must be
echelon of government.
a burro, and they met a man who said
kept close to the people
and that
Now we in California, I believe,
to them, "Don't you realize you
includes that segment of government
know better than a bureau or agency
shouldn't both be walking on this hot
known as public education.
in Washington what the educational
day? You have that burro. One of you
Now, let it also be understood that
needs are of California. By the same
at least should be riding."
So the father thought it was a good
I ain a firm believer in public education.
token, we in Sacramento should recog-
We have been brought together to-
nize that you at the district level know
idea and put his son' on the burro and
night-I think all of us-because we
better than we do the problems and
continued to lead the burro until they
have a share in common with the idea
the needs of your district. Now one of
et another man. The second man
the reasons that school districts have a
said, "Don't you realize the burro is a
that we have here the greatest public
beast of burden, perfectly capable of
school system in all the world. Now this
financial problem, perhaps is because,
might come as a surprise to some of
in recent years, Sacramento has im-
carrying both of you. There is no reason
why either one of you should walk."
you, and I wouldn't wonder at that
posed conditions and requirements on
the local districts without, at the same
And they both got on and rode, until
because I have heard a few of my own
-y met a third man, who said, "How
words come back at me considerably
time, providing the money to pay for
can you do that on a hot day like this?
out of context.
those programs and those requirements.
(Applause) The legislators will report
How can you be so cruel to a poor
For example, some of you might have
in the morning whether they joined in
dumb animal? The two of you should
heard or read that I am a fellow who
that applause.
be carrying the burro."
said that it is a strange paradox that,
In consequence though, our state
So they tied his feet together, swung
in the society created on individual
support of public schools has dropped
him over a pole, put it on their should-
freedom, parents should be compelled
as low, in some areas, as 27 percent
ers, and went down the road. And then
to send their children to school. Now
and in the overall average for the state,
they came to a bridge. And starting
I said that; but, at the same time, I.
I understand the figure is 37 percent.
across the bridge with this unaccus-
said it is a paradox we gladly enjoy or
Now I hope that we will be able to
tomed and concentrated load, the
put up with because we know we can
restore the historic 50-50 ratio, but now
bridge collapsed and they were plunged
not have a free society unless we have
I have to ask everyone to be a little
into the torrent below. Well, they both
an educated and literate public or citi-
patient. We are in a very deep hole and
managed to make it to shore, but the
zenry. This is a part of the quote that
first we must climb out.
burro, with his feet tied together,
somehow has been overlooked here and
I am sure some of you heard some
drowned.
there.
whispered rumors to the effect that we
And the moral is
you can lose
Now, you might even have heard
have some financial problems. But, we
your burro trying to please everyone.
that I have described public education,
are going to do everything we can to
There is another version of that
or aid to education-it has come out
solve these problems because there are
story, but
both ways-as a tool of tyranny. Well,
so many things that need doing and
I'm sure that you are wondering
I did say something similar. I said edu-
there are none of us here, regardless
many things, not only about me, but
cation is the bulwark of freedom, but
of Party lines. either in the Legislature
also about what kind of an Administra-
removed too far from the control of
or in the Administration, who do not
tion I am going to bring to the state.
parents and local government, it can
want to get at the job of doing these
And I think this is normal and to be
become the tool of tyranny.
things that do need doing.
pected after a campaign as heated
Public education, in my opinion, is
There is, not least among these prob-
and lengthy as the one we have just
the responsibility of state and local
lems, the problem of teachers' retire-
been through.
governments. I believe that a diversity
ment. No provision has been made for
A candidate sometimes indulges him-
in education makes for a strong overall
a cost of living increase. A teacher
in the fallacy that everyone must
educational system, and I believe it
who retired ten years ago finds today
aware of his stand, his philosophy of
minimizes the danger of an educa-
that inflation alone has cut the income
government, and. in this case, his ap-
tional system becoming a propaganda
by 23 percent. and it continues to go
proach to education. Of course this is
system. And that brings me to my posi-
down as inflation continues, and a pro-
vision must be made to meet this par-
er, and I know that this is true of me.
I know this is supposed to be the prime
ticular problem.
I question whether this would have
duty of the home. But sometimes the
We are not only aware of this, but
been true-I know it wouldn't be true
home fails, and even when it does not,
of me-and I wouldn't perhaps have
I think that school and home should
we also are aware of the problem that
50 percent of our teaching staff comes
that same memory or have that in-
not be working at cross purposes. They
to us from other states, and we must,
fluence-if I had seen that teacher in
should be working together so that con-
and will, find an answer to the provi-
a picket line engaged in a strike. (Ap-
stantly there is this example.
sions that are necessary for their retire-
plause)
Of all your many obligations
ment program.
But, if this is true, then it is equally
administration, and school boards, and
The Fisher Bill, an admitted noble
wrong for a school board to ignore
taxpayers
you know that the high-
the counsel of educators and not meet
goal for improving the quality of teach-
est
the highest and the one t
ers, hasn't worked out as well as could
with them in a mutual atmosphere of
sets you apart as having a calling
be hoped by those who passed it.
good faith to arrive at a fair answer
is the place that you have in the lives
Recruitment problems have multiplied
with regard to the problems of profes-
of other people's sons and daughters.
and now we must review what changes
sional pay and working conditions.
I know there must be many times
are needed if we are to have enough
You know, talking about some of
when you are tempted to cry out that
qualified and dedicated teachers.
these things and about my concern of
a satisfying inner glow doesn't pay the
government, and government power
But let me return briefly to the area
rent. But at the same time, I think
I have been accused of being too fear-
of finance. The state must bear a fair
down in your hearts you also know
ful of the power of government. But
share and a larger share of the school
that money alone can't buy that kind
I don't think that any of us should rule
cost. It must bring relief to the property
out as extremism of one kind or an-
of inner glow.
taxpayer in so doing, and bring an end
other a reasonable concern that govern-
Knowledge is the essence of educa-
to what has become virtually a tax-
ment should always be aware that its
tion, but it is a two-edged sword. It
payers revolt Bond issues based on
power is no more than the people give
can be good, or bad. It can be believed,
sound policy have been voted down by
it. What I must not do, government
or disbelieved. It can be wisely or fool-
people who are simply expressing-in
must not do. And let me illustrate this
ishly used. The key is the integrity of
the only way left open to them-their
idea-why I am fearful-with a little
the source. And you happen to be in
objection to the ever-growing cost of
item that came to may attention
that position.
government. I am sure that they, in
that appeared in the press recently.
You are the source and you are the
their own hearts and minds, know the
Catherine B. Ottinger, who is the
example. It is, at one and the same
justification for many of these issues,
Chief of the Children's Bureau of the
time, a holy trust and an overwhelming
but, as I say, they have only one way
Department of Health, Education and
and mighty challenge. I am sure that
of expressing a disapproval in this one
Welfare in Washington, has written a
you will nieet that challenge.
area. This is why all of us must have
letter, quite widespread, soliciting sub-
And I would like to promise you that
some patience and must cooperate to
scriptions to the Bureau's journal. The
we who have been meeting with you
achieve a sane, fit fiscal position.
journal is entitled "Children."
here, and those who have been meetin~
Education must be sustained and
And in this letter, Miss Ottinger said,
with you in this seminar on gover!
improved and money to make this
"Articles in the journal are by special-
ment
that we will try to meet our
possible must come from a system of
ists in child development, mental
challenge
try to give you examples
taxation whereby all the citizens bear
health, child welfare, education, re-
that you can use in executing you*
equitably a share of this burden.
lated fields
etc. And then in the
public trust
examples you C
Now, much as I may wish to learn
letter, she goes on to say, "Because
point out to the children.
about the intricate details of Califor-
most of these specialists are not asso-
There is great concern today, I am
nia's vast educational system, I am
ciated with the federal government,
sure, among you, among us, and among
sure that no one person has, or can
these articles reflect their free opinion."
parents throughout this land, of a de-
have, a complete knowledge of the
Now, is it impossible for us to maybe
cline in morals, a decline in standards,
school system that has been designed
envision or dream of a day when spe-
of a weakening of the social structure
to educate millions of young people,
cialists who are associated with the
that has been a long time building.
children, and adults
a
program
that
federal government will be able to re-
And I wonder if we - if we really
is costing billions of dollars a year.
flect their free opinion? How hollow
look at it - don't have the greatest
Nor can one man find the answers to
rings the cry for academic freedom if
opportunity, and the greatest responsi-
all the problems by himself. I will seek
there is someone who says, "Well, I
bility, because I know of no two places
the advice and counsel of many, but
agree with your position, but publicly
that can be found where it is more
high on the list will be the counsel of
I must come out against it."
important to have the examples of
those who teach. I depended on you too
Children learn by example. Nowhere
maintenance of the social fabric,
many years for the answers to quit now.
is understanding, mutual respect and
maintenance of principles and morals
But I want to see more problems
cooperation more essential as an ex-
and standards, than in the halls of
solved at the local levels. I want to see
ample than in our schools, the place
government and in the halls where you
teachers, administrators and school
which society has established for the
are engaged each day with our children.
board members working together with
teaching of its young. This training
All of us have such a limited time
regard to curriculum, selection of text-
must encompass more than reading,
to determine how, and in what manner,
books. student discipline, assignment,
writing, and arithmetic. I think the
we are going to be remembered by the
salaries and benefits.
school is a place for training and disci-
coming generation and I believe you,
I think all of us are aware of the
pline, and responsibility; and, yes, if
representing a segment of government
problems that I think are being im-
we carried on with all other things.
-the public education field-and those
proved which only a few years ago so
I believe in love for country. And I
of us who have been chosen to repre-
desperately needed attention. The prob-
don't say that in any narrow, chauvin-
sent the people, do have this one thin
lem of teachers' pay
I don't know
istic sense, but I think that it is proper
in common. It is a very sacred trust.
whether we can ever reach as much as
to instill devotion, for the dreams that
Between us, let us have a mutual
a teacher should receive. Every parent
are as old as mankind are dreams that
pledge to try and meet our challenge
knows on every Saturday afternoon:
have advanced farther here in this
and our responsibility, and perhaps
teachers are underpaid.
country of ours than in any society
if we sweep the walk in front of our
I am sure that most adults carry
heretofore known to man.
own front door, we will find out one
through life, and are influenced by, the
School is a place to learn basic moral-
day that all the streets are clean all
memory of at least one stand-out teach-
ity, without which no society can exist.
over.
-
-
-
/ 116
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE: PMs
Sacramento, California
Tuesday
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
Jan. 16, 1967
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ON CRIME
To the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of California:
Legislation is being introduced in the Senate and Assembly
today that represents a comprehensive "crime and law enforcement"
package
This package is an effort to strengthen "soft spots" in the
state's laws and crime prevention programs.
California is the leading state in terms of major crimes.
On a percentage basis, we have nearly twice our share--nine per-
cent of the population and about 17 percent of the crime.
We are convinced that enactment of this proposed legislation
will help deter crime, will slow the flood of pornographic mater-
ial now available on our news stands, will speed and strengthen
the administration of justice and will assure California citizens
the best and most efficient law enforcement agencies in the na-
tion.
We are asking for this legislation:
1.
An effective law to restore to the cities and counties
the ability to enact local laws designed to meet local problems.
This is commonly referred to as the "implied pre-emption issue."
Such a law will allow local law enforcement agencies to more
thoroughly police their jurisdictions, especially in the areas of
vice, sex offenses and offenses against public decency.
2. Laws increasing penalties for those criminals who, dur-
ing the commission of either a robbery, burglary or rape, inflict
great bodily harm upon their victims using dangerous weapons. So-
ciety must be protected from those who would inflict personal
violence on its members. Three measures identical to those to be
introduced today were passed by both houses of the Legislature in
1965 but were pocket-vetoed.
3. As mentioned earlier, comprehensive legislation dealing
with pornography and obscenity, with special emphasis on prohibit-
ing dissemination to minors of "harmful" material. A careful ef-
fort is being made to avoid any suspicion of censorship.
(MORE)
-2-
4. We recognize that from time to time persons are arrested
unjustly or as victims of circumstances. Yet, despite, their inno-
cence, they must live the remainder of their lives with a public
police record. We are offering a comprehensive legislative approach
that will provide relief for such persons while, at the same time,
preserving such records for use by law enforcement agencies and
other authorized persons.
5. We also are proposing that a California Crime Foundation
be created as a public corporation. Such a Foundation would be
financed and served by both the private and public sectors.
Its purpose will be to develop a coordinated state, local and
private effort that would develop new scientific techniques to
combat crime, initiate research projects in the area of police
management, administration and basic research in the field of
crime, and encourage engineers and scientists to devote themselves
to careers in crime research.
Financing would be accomplished by channeling to the Founda-
tion funds now appropriated for certain existing state law enforce-
ment efforts and by participation by private foundations and the
business community.
6. It is imperative to seek and maintain the highest stand-
ards of judicial excellence in order to make sure that all our
citizens receive equal justice under the law. For that reason,
legislation is being presented which will assure the Governor the
opportunity to name only the most qualified attorneys to the bench.
Five of the above six proposals must be passed by the Legisla-
ture to make them effective. The proposal on the selection of
judges must be approved by a vote of the people as it is an amend-
ment to the Constitution.
However, the Governor's Office, by executive action, expects
to take one more step in the near future that will ease the law
enforcement burden that rests on our various crime-fighting agen-
cies.
From time to time, statewide conferences will be called as a
means of making the public more aware of the crime problem and the
citizen more cognizant of his responsibilities. Such conferences
will be attended by members of the mass communications media, lo-
cal civic and political leaders, students and other interested
citizens.
Without respect for law, the best laws cannot be effective.
Without respect for law enforcement, laws cannot be carried out.
We must have respect, not only for the law, but also for the many
who dedicate their lives to the protection of society through en-
forcement of
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
January 17, 1967
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ON TUITION
In all the sound and fury of the budget discussion of recent
days, this administration has been portrayed as an opponent of educa-
tional ideas engaged in total warfare against the academic community-
sole defender of cultural and intellectual progress. I think it's
time to put the entire picture in focus and reestablish a sensible and
realistic perspective.
Students and parents of students have been unnecessarily dis-
turbed and even frightened by the University's precipitate and unwar-
ranted freeze on applications. This action, I might add, was taken
by the University without consulting the Board of Regents. I have
called this action unwarranted and I believe it is completely SO.
As plainly as we can we have told the citizens of this state the
nature and size of our financial problem. We are trying through
economies of roughly 10 percent to effect savings somewhat in excess
of $200 million, and we'll strive for more. But even so a part of the
deficit will have to be made up from new revenues. At the same time
we must provide a margin for a new, broader-based tax to relieve the
overburdened property taxpayer, principally the home owner.
Every segment of government must share in the economies first,
as every citizen must share in the increased taxes. Education and
welfare total 80 percent or more of the general fund spending. There
is no way we could exempt them from the belt tightening that is
necessary. If we did, we'd have to eliminate all the other government
services to arrive at any meaningful reduction.
So there is the problem
we just simply have a shortage of
dollars. It is hard to believe there is no leeway for cost cutting in
the University program. Right at the moment I'm tempted to suggest a
cut in the University's approximately 700,000-a-year public relations
budget since it would seem a good share of it is being spent publicizing
me.
But let me make it plain; I don't pretend the economies will be
easy for any of us. Some will---we will find unneeded fat that can be
whittled away without scratching a single muscle fibre, but like any
family faced with this problem, we will all have to give up some things
we would like. This is a temporary thing. If professors take on an
-1-
STATEMENT ON TUITION
-2-
added work load, this isn't a permanent change in policy. I share their
hopes for continued progress in educational standards and achievement,
but I ask them now to share in the burden with the rest of us until
we can put our house in order.
This brings me to the furor over our suggestion that among the
several possibilities for minimizing the effect of budget costs is
tuition.
This suggestion resulted in the almost hysterical charge that
this would deny educational opportunities to those of the most moderate
means. This is obviously untrue for two reasons:
--First, we made it plain that tuition must be accompanied by
adequate loans to be paid back after graduation and that scholarships
should be available to provide that no deserving students be denied
educations due to lack of funds.
More important is the false impression given that enrollment in
the University is now in some way determined on the basis of ability to
pay. This is not true. Eligibility for the University actually is
limited to those in the top 12 percent scholastically.
On this principle 88 percent of the high school graduates canno'
go to the University regardless of their finances or their desires.
Let me read from the text of a letter sent to one of our news-
papers by three economics professors at UCLA:
"At present, every student, regardless of whether he or his
parents are rich or poor, is given a subsidized scholarship of about
$2,000 a year (actually, our figures show it is about $3,000) The
wealthy benefit from this bonanza at the expense of the poor. Seventy-
two percent of the 18-year-olds from families with income over $14,000
are in colleges but only 12 percent from families with less than $2,000
annual income. Yet, the taxes for financing the bonanza bear more
heavily on the poor than on the rich."
Incidentally, the full text of that letter also is attached.
Now, let me summarize.
The problem, briefly is finances. We face a major deficit and
we must find a way to eliminate it.
The answer lies with all of us. There are no exceptions.
I believe the education sector of our government can and must
help in this. Indeed, it has a responsibility to help.
As far as we are concerned we do not intend to continue carrying
on this discussion as some sort of a contest in the press.
We now look forward to meeting with the Regents, the Trustees
and the administrators in an atmosphere of mutual respect, good will,
and understanding to find the best answer for all the people of
1/23
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE: TUESDAY PM's
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
January 23, 1967
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR REAGAN ON WELFARE
In the days ahead members of both the Senate and the Assembly
will introduce bills on my behalf in the field of welfare.
In addition, I expect to take a series of steps over the next
several months that will also change our approach to this problem.
There is a growing recognition that welfare programs, as we
have known them in the past, tend really to perpetuate poverty to
the point where there are cases where families have been on one
form or another of the public dole for three and even four
generations.
/
We hope to change this approach--to give people the opportunity
and the responsibility of earning their own livings. A welfare
program, to be successful, should aim not at getting people into
the program but at seeing how many people can be made self-
supporting so that they no longer need the program.
The able-bodied and many of our handicapped need, want and
should have jobs, not handouts.
As you know, we have already taken a major step in this
direction. We have begun a program under the direction of H. C.
(Chad) McClellan, of finding jobs in private industry for those
among us who want to work but who have lacked the training or the
opportunity.
This program, begun last year in Watts, is being expanded
state-wide. While it takes advantage of state agencies, it does
not use state funds. Thus, while having unofficial state backing,
it is not, in fact, a state program.
However, because it has already proved its value in one
area, I strongly urge all Californians to give it their whole-
hearted cooperation and support.
To work closely with Mr. McClellan, I propose establishment
of a Governor's Job Training and Placement Council. This will
be a temporary body chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and composed
of six public members and two members from each house of the
legislature. Major goals for the council will be to:
more
Page 2-Welfare
Enlist strong and active support of private industry in
developing a state-wide system for making jobs available to
trainees following successful completion of training programs;
Develop an administrative system to insure that all public
funds now being spent on job training and adult basic education
are channeled into a single rehabilitative and placement program,
Develop controls to insure that no training programs are
entered into except as labor market needs are determined to exist;
Establish criteria both for admission to training and for
the type and nature of training to be given;
Support and encourage joint funding programs in this area;
Develop a valid and acceptable cost-benefit formula for
application to the various training programs now in progress or
proposed by the council.
Investigate methods to re-engineer job placement in private
industry in order to improve opportunities for unskilled workers.
We will ask legislative approval for this program.
In another area, where action can be taken without need for
further legislation, I intend to conduct a comprehensive review of
the state's welfare program, focusing on administrative and
organizational improvement.
Using cost-effective analysis as a guideline, the Social
Welfare Board and the new department director shall examine what
State resources are needed to actually reduce long-run welfare
expenditures and to restore individuals to maximum self-support
and independence.
The new director and new members of the Social Welfare Board
should also thoroughly study ways to streamline welfare adminis-
tration. This would include:
Investigation of ways to increase flexibility and cooperation
in County-State administration of welfare;
Utilization of systems analysis in considering administrative
and organizational changes;
Examination of various ways in which volunteers could aid in
the conduct of public welfare programs.
more
Page 3-Welfare
Finally, in the area of executive action, I want it clearly
understood that this administration will work toward more effective
enforcement of laws already on the books which govern the misuse
of welfare grant money.
The truly deserving must not be short-changed because of
welfare chiselers and cheats. And the taxpayer, who bears the
load, must be able to know with reasonable assurance that his
money is not going to support the lazy and the indolent.
In conjunction with this approach, legislation will be intro- -
duced requiring the Department of Social Welfare to assist County
Welfare departments in establishing fraud investigation units and
services. Such legislation will free case workers and counselors
from handling fraud investigation and will concentrate this work
in a single unit.
In another piece of legislation we seek to establish a central
registry in the Department of Justice showing specified information
regarding parents who have or who appear to have abandoned children
who are recipients of public assistance or who are likely to
become such.
This legislation is aimed primarily at finding deserting
fathers before the wife and children have to turn to welfare for aid
In summary, through both executive and legislative action,
the principal aims of this administration in the field of welfare
will be to provide jobs instead of welfare wherever possible,
assure adequate aid for the deserving, cut administrative costs
and return as much control as possible to the Counties.
Welfare is a responsibility our society willingly accepts but th.
burden it places on our wage earners must be set at acceptable levels.
It is this administration's intention to assume this respon-
sibility for the deserving and at the same time recognize our
responsibility to those who bear this immense financial burden.
###
1.23.67/LN
A
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
January 24, 1967
MEMO TO THE PRESS:
This is made available for your information
Theodore R. Meyer, Chairman of the Board of Regents, today
made the following statement concerning contradictory published
reports as to whether Dr. Clark Kerr asked for a vote of confi-
dence at the Regents meeting last Friday:
Dr. Kerr's status has been the subject of discussions and
speculation for several years. His relations with the Regents were
adversely affected by his handling of the Berkeley campus disorders
in the fall of 1964. They deteriorated further as a result of his
action the following spring in announcing his intended resignation
to the press without prior consultation with, or notice to, any of
the Regents. Some subsequent events did not improve the relation-
ship. The resulting uncertainty and controversy have been harmful
to the University in many ways.
Several Regents suggested to me that Dr. Kerr's position
be discussed at the Regents meeting of December 6, 1966, and again
at the meeting of January 19 and 20, 1967. I took the position in
discussions with these Regents and with Dr. Kerr that the matter
should not be brought up at this time.
A few minutes before the convening of last Friday's Regents
meeting, Mrs. Dorothy Chandler, Board Vice Chairman, and I met
with Dr. Kerr at his request. He told us that he could not carry
on effectively under existing conditions and that if the question
of his continuing in office was likely to come up at any Board
meeting in the near future, he thought the Regents should face up
to it and decide it now one way or the other. We expressed our
doubts as to what action the Board would take and our concern as to
the consequences and asked him whether he would be willing to
tender his resignation. He said that he would not do so and that
it was the Board's responsibility to make the decision.
more
1.24.67
Page--2
About noon on Friday I suggested an Executive Session of the
Board with only Regents present. Dr. Kerr left the meeting having
previously told me that he would prefer to do this if he was to be
the subject of discussion. I asked the Regents whether they wished
to discuss Dr. Kerr at that time and Mrs. Chandler and I informed the
Board of our conversation with him before the meeting including his
statement that he would not resign. The Board had discussed the
matter for approximately two hours, concluding by a vote of 14 to
8 to terminate Dr. Kerr's services as President. A number of
Regents who voted with the majority expressed regret that the parting
had to come in this way. At the Board's direction Mrs. Chandler and
I again met with Dr. Kerr informing him of the Board's action and
told him of the Board's hope that before it was made public he would
reconsider his refusal to resign. He said that he would not do so
and that the Board must take the responsibility. Mrs. Chandler and
I then returned to the Regents meeting and told the Board of Dr.
Kerr's position. The Chancellors and other University officials were
called in and informed and an announcement was made to the press.
Under these circumstances the question whether Dr. Kerr requested
a "vote of confidence" or a "clarification of his status" appears
to be more a question of semantics than one of circumstances.
No one appreciates more than I Dr. Kerr's great contribution
to the University or regrets more than I the manner in which his
departure had to come about.
# # #
1.24.67/LN
/
1/26
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
445-4571
1.26.67
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR REAGAN ON UC INQUIRY
During the recent campaign I said, and have since reiterated
my belief, that in order to restore confidence in the University of
California to the people of California an inquiry by a citizens'
committee was necessary.
I had asked John McCone to head such an inquiry.
I believed then, and I still believe, that such an inquiry
could be conducted without the danger of political interference.
Now, however, in view of the unrest at the University because
of requested budget cuts, the possibility of tuition, and the dis-
missal of Dr. Kerr, and because it would be unfair to ask a new
University president to take office in the midst of such an inquiry,
this inquiry will be postponed until such a time as these problems
have been resolved and a new president installed.
John McCone is in full agreement with this statement.
1.25.67/RR
3
6
ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN
RELEASE:
California Newspaper Publishers Association Banquet
A.M.'S, Saturday,
Hilton Hotel - San Francisco
February 4
Friday, February 3, 1967
7:30 p.m.
It is always a privilege to appear before the ladies and gentlemen
of the press whether they be the people who write the stories or the
people who publish them.
Now I've been reading a lot of your papers lately and you must be
making the news more exciting or something because I find myself read-
ing the front page before I look at Peanuts.
Seriously, to one who reveres our tradition of a free press, it is
reassuring in a day when managed news is a reality to see that some of
you welcome the changes we are trying to make and understand the prob-
lems we face. Others would like to return to the good old days that
preceded last November 8. That of course is your right and privilege.
Of course it's also your right and privilege to change your mind, and
if you did so, it wouldn't shake my faith in a free press one bit.
I'm grateful for the great quantities of advice I find in your
editorial pages advice on everything from how to balance the budget
to how to be happy without an honorary degree from the University of
California.
Believe me I appreciate that advice. I know it is well-intentioned
and constructive. I've learned one basic truth already that will help
me keep a sense of balance.
We are truly anxious to please the good people of this great state.
With that in mind we are not only listening to advice; we are seeking
it.
this advice
But after we get / we have to sift it and weigh it and then come
up with decisions that of necessity mean ignoring some of it---no
matter how well-meaning- if to follow it means turning away from
promises made during the campaign.
You know, there is a story that actually happened involving a
defeated presidential candidate.
He was called before a Senatorial committee to testify on a
federal policy. He spoke out in defense of that policy.
Then one of the Senators said to him, "but that isn't what you
said when you were running for president?"
He protested, "those were just campaign promises. I really
didn't mean them." If he was expressing a political truism - it
is one I cannot follow.
(1)
(2)
I ran on certain issues and made certain promises, and I have
to believe the people agreed that these were the issues and those
promises would be kept.
During the campaign I said I thought there was an umbrella
issue, the issue of simple morality in government. I still think
that this is a fact. Morality should always be an issue in
government.
Morality to me means dealing in truth and living up to your
word, whether it be a personal promise or a campaign promise.
Let me say, however, I recognize all campaign promises cannot
be kept. Not because one falters at the task of following through
but simply because the people do not vest all the power it is their
right to bestow in only one individual.
Many promises depend on implementation by the Legislature
and some on the will of the people. This means trying to understand
the will of the people.
There have been many interpretations and much speculation as
to the meaning of what took place on November 8, not only here
but across the nation. It is my personal conviction that much of
it.
what happened was a protest. The people voted against/ They voted
against the fallacy that we collectively can pile up a debt without
eventually having to pay our pro-rated share of that debt
individually. They voted against the compulsory sharing of their
earnings with those who could but wouldn't work.
They voted against the stultifying hand of government
regulation in every facet of their lives and they voted against
nor
government that was neither responsible / responsive to the
people.
They expressed a belief that government has grown toc far away
from the people. And they denied a theory grown up over the years
that says a little clique of so-called intellectuals in Sacramento or
in Washington can decide better than the people how to solve the
people's problems.
This administration does not believe that a man in Sacramento
can outline the best route for a freeway in Newport Beach, or a
bureaucrat in Washington reach the right decision on how many harvest
workers a farmer needs in Fresno or in Florida.
(3)
Big business has already found that the answer to its problem
lies in decentralization.
Many of California's problems can be solved in the same way.
We have already taken a number of steps to bring state government
closer to the people and are working to return some of the powers
usurped by the state government over the years to local governments.
Already two new offices have been opened--one in San Diego and
one in Fresno. Members of the administration including myself, my
executive secretary, Phil Battaglia, and others, are visiting those
offices regularly as well as the ones in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In addition, we have set up in the Governor's Office a special
liaison section. Currently, designated staff members are working as
liaison between the state and county and city governments as well as
between the Governor's Office and minority groups.
We have had introduced in the Legislature bills that would
return to the local governments specific regulatory powers that have
in recent years been judged by the courts to belong to the state.
We are working to give counties more control of their welfare
programs and we are looking at other areas where it might be possible
for local controls to supersede state controls or where the state can
work in partnership with local governments.
I mentioned the budget a moment ago in regard to what might be
called a credibility gap.
Let me talk about it now in terms of what it is and what we are
trying to do.
As many of you know, I will go on television Sunday evening
(in some areas we may even be pre-empting Death Valley Days) to talk
in detail about it. But just for a moment, let me discuss the problem
briefly.
It is very simple and the way to solve it is simple, too, if we
have the will and fortitude to do it.
The problem is this: the current year's budget was predicated
on spending 15 months' income in 12 months and then in borrowing an
additional 180 million dollars.
I am shocked when I read accusations that we are in some way
exaggerating our fiscal situation and darkening the picture for
political purposes,
(4)
Once again, let me state a simple fact---every 24 hours
California government spends $1,000,000 more than it takes in. To
balance a budget for next year that actually is $250 million lower
than the current budget means we have both to cut costs and increase
taxes by about 250 million more dollars in new revenues. That
balances the budget but it still leaves us unable to pay off 180
million dollars in additional funds the state has borrowed this fiscal
year.
Now the federal government can get away with this. But under
the California Constitution that is illegal, which means that we are
going to have to find another 180 million dollars--guess where--from
your pockets. And while you are digging, see what you can find for
property tax relief.
Another promise we will try to keep is cutting California
crime rate. Legislation in this area has already been introduced on
behalf of the administration. So has legislation to control the flow
of pornography and smut.
We expect shortly to seek legislation allowing for reorganiza-
tion of the executive branch to give us better lines of communication
with department and bureau heads and to make the executive branch
function more efficiently.
In the executive area we have asked nearly one hundred
of the state's leading businessmen and industrialists to provide us
the manpower--about 150 top executives in specialized areas--for a
thorough study of our state government.
The idea is to streamline government to make it operate more
efficiently, to help prepare our state to meet the problems of the
next 20 years. A side benefit could well be the saving of several
million dollars.
I said we have asked business and industry to help. We have,
and their response has been enthusiastic. At our first meeting we
were pledged almost the manpower we need. This study will begin
shortly. It will not be financed by tax dollars.
Neither will another program I have mentioned before--the program
aimed at providing jobs for our untrained manpower, especially those
able-bodied men and women in minority groups who want to work but who,
because of lack of training or education, have not been able to find
jobs.
(5)
This program, which during the last year proved so successful
in Watts has now been expanded on a statewide basis. Its success, we
are convinced, will go a long way toward easing racial tensions.
Its success should also cut welfare costs and add to our tax
rolls instead of our tax burden.
These are just some of the things we are trying to do, some of
the promises we are trying to keep.
Many people of both parties have told us it can't be done.
Frankly, we don't believe them. The American dream was not built on
this kind of cynicism, this kind of fatalistic outlook. We believe it
can be done. We are convinced that Californians want it done.
We are convinced that most of the legislators in both parties
also want it done.
They know there is a limit to the tax burden they can ask the
people to bear.
They, too, have felt the breeze of the people's discontent
and they know that the last election was a reflection of that dis-
content.
I suppose any political party too long in power grows soft,
contented, self-satisfied, and, in a sense, indifferent to the will
of the people.
I pray that that affliction will not strike this administration.
But if it does, we will count on you people out there, and the
papers you represent to make that fact clear, to take the story to the
people and then let the people decide.
All we ask of you is that you seek out the story and the stories
of this administration and that you print them fully and accurately.
If you do that, you will have fulfilled your obligation to
California just as we are trying to fulfill ours.
I believe it was Harry Truman who said, "If the people know the
facts they will never vote against themselves."
They must count on you to give them the facts. You must--and
can--count on us to make sure the facts are available. Nobody believes
more strongly than I in the people's right to know.
And I am sure that if the people do know, they will make the
right decisions.
I am confident of their judgments. And I will welcome them and
yours now and in the years ahead.
# # #
Note: Since Governor Reagan speaks from notes, there may ;be changes
in the above text. However, he will stand by any quotes taken
from the above. Also, the Governor may make additional impromptu
remarks.
2/9
OFFICE OF THE GOVE\ OR
Sacramento, California
RELEASE: AMs
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
THURSDAY
445-4571
2.9.67
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ON AGRICULTURE
To the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of California:
Today, I shall ask for the introduction of legislation direct-
ed at improving California's largest industry--agriculture. At the
same time, I shall take executive action in this area.
By the combination of executive order and legislation, I
intend to seek:
Additional housing for migrant farm families;
Establishment of a mediation service for legitimate disputes
between farmers and farm workers;
More quality protection of out-of-state agricultural pro-
ducts;
A newly identified farm-labor placement service;
Implementation of Proposition 3;
Removal of the 160-acre limitation;
Establishment of an agricultural youth corps; and
Eradication of the pink bollworm which threatens California
cotton.
I shall ask both local and State governments to participate
in the enforcement of existing statutes and regulations to aid farm
labor in education, health, housing, welfare and sanitation, in
that it appears to me that sufficient legislation now exists in
these areas. However, it also appears to me that an additional
600 family units are needed for migrant farm families and I shall
accordingly request the sum of $5.5 million from the federal
government to build these units.
Farm labor disputes have increased significantly in the past
several years with the intensified efforts of labor to organize
agricultural workers. No adequate machinery now exists for
(MORE)
-2-
resolving labor disputes in agriculture. I shall ask the State
Board of Agriculture to study the problem, looking toward my
appointment of conciliators with agricultural labor knowledge who
will be given general authority to look into serious labor disputes,
bring the parties together and recommend a disposition of the prob-
lem for the good of the public interest. I would ask that the
Mediation Board receive its administrative assistance through the
Department of General Services.
California leads the nation in enacting and enforcing laws
aimed at making California-grown commodities meet the highest
standards in quality, sanitation and freedom from pesticide con-
tamination. California consumers deserve the same protection
from out-of-state products. To accomplish this goal, we will
ask the Legislature to authorize inspections of fruit and produce
entering the State. The cost of inspection would be borne by the
shipper importing the produce.
With the termination of the Bracero Program under Public Law
78, and other changes in agricultural labor requirements, it be-
comes imperative that an increased effort be made to provide an
adequate supply of agricultural labor. In light of the problems
which have beset the Farm Labor Service in recent years, and the
grave responsibilities for which it is charged, a review of the
organization and function of the Farm Labor Service is in order
at this time. A citizen commission should be established to exam-
ine the structure, function and performance of the Farm Labor
Service and to make recommendations to the Governor, the Legisla-
ture, and the State Board of Agriculture by January 10, 1968. It
is my hope that a truly-identifiable farm placement service (as
directed by the Wagner-Peyser Act) within the Department of Employ-
ment, under the Deputy Director for Farm Labor, could be re-estab-
lished. This would involve transfer of the Farm Labor Technical
Section, as well as regional and local placement services, as
-3-
sound management policies and organization would dictate.
Agricultural employees have historically been excluded from
coverage by unemployment insurance under federal law, although
they may be covered by enactment of any state. California, with
the most modern agricultural technology in the world, should also
lead in developing a modern, stabilized work force, and should
provide unemployment insurance coverage for certain permanent
agricultural workers. Recognition must be given to the fact that
agricultural employees, numbering 850,000 in California, include
perhaps 150,000 with year-round identification with agriculture
who should have insurance protection against the hazard of a period
without work. In the event that I determine that the proposed
federal program in this area is not imminent, I shall ask for
such legislation to cover the permanent farm employee in California
agriculture.
In another area involving farm labor, I believe the State
should play an active role in bringing together agriculture's need
for part-time labor and our young people who desperately need
summer employment. Many young people remain uninformed of agri-
cultural work opportunities and of the possibilities for earnings
in this field. On the other hand, many agricultural employers
remember only too well recent poorly organized, costly federal
programs that failed.
However, I believe we can successfully recruit youth for
agricultural work, using the services of schools, the Department
of Employment and farm-oriented organizations. Such a program
can be done through executive action and will not require legisla-
tion.
With the passage of Proposition 3 by the voters, the Legisla-
ture has been authorized to develop a program of open-space conser-
vation through property tax assessment restrictions. I will ask
the Legislature to institute studies leading to legislation imple-
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menting the mandate of the people in this area.
While the 160-acre limitation is federal law, we still believe
it is outdated in light of modern agricultural economics and was
never intended by the Congress to apply to many California water
projects. Therefore, I would urge the Legislature to pass joint
resolution SJR 3 to memorialize Congress to remove the 160-acre
limitation and I will instruct the Director of Agriculture and the
Director of Water Resources to take up the matter directly with the
California Congressional Delegation.
California's most important cash crop is cotton. Today, it
is gravely threatened by the pink bollworm. We hope a number of
steps can be taken, both executively and legislatively, which will
alleviate this problem. These would include:
1. Directing the new Director of Agriculture to investigate
the circumstances which permitted this disastrous infestation last
year, and recommend improved procedures which will prevent the
spread into the San Joaquin Valley and lead to eradication from the
state;
2. Legislative action to stiffen the code requirements on
"host free periods" and on uncultivated cotton;
3. A broad research program by the University of California
to study the pink bollworm and control measures under California
conditions;
4. Active cooperation--and leadership--with federal and
neighboring states in suppression and eradication;
5. Stern suppression measures to protect the major cotton
producing areas of the State, and to minimize losses in the desert
area; and
6. Development of a broad base of financial support for the
long-range eradication program, including State funding, matching
federal funds and industry participation.
LN
2/14
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE
Immediate
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
445-4571
2.14.67
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ON CUTBACKS OF
INTERSTATE AND FEDERAL AID HIGHWAY PROGRAMS
Today I have asked members of the California Congressional delega-
tion and the California Legislature to join with me in seeking to
reverse recent decisions in Washington that have seriously threatened
our road-building program both Interstate and regular highways.
One decision means the loss of approximately $250 million for the
Interstate Highway Program. The other concerns at least $70 million
held back for the federal-aid highway system.
Recently Washington informed us that we would be cut back by
$70 million between January and July of this year for federal-aid
highways. A further reduction into the next fiscal year for an indef-
inite period also is under study in Washington and could amount to an
additional loss of $35 to $40 million annually.
We have been told the curtailment is designed to stop inflation
and assist the federal government in the financial problems caused by
the war in Vietnam. I believe neither reason is valid.
California's highway users pay into a fund which is to be used only
for highways not for other purposes. In addition, the cutback will
actually curtail further the construction industry which already is in
a depressed condition with unemployment very high and going higher.
The indefinite nature of the cutback upsets highway planning on
any sort of long-term basis. And it only delays replacing vitally-
needed highways that are now obsolete roads that cause the most
accidents, the most injuries, the most fatalities.
Now for the Interstate Highway Program. Last year, the federal
government deleted about 13 miles of California's Interstate Highway
System because no agreement could be reached over location of freeways
in San Francisco. So the state sought to substitute the Century Freeway
in Los Angeles for the $250 million San Francisco project. We have so
far been turned down.
The Century Freeway is urgently needed to help solve congested
traffic conditions around International Airport in Los Angeles. It also
would serve vital defense industries.
-1-
HIGHWAY STATEMENT
In addition, loss of this money to California will result in a
serious delay in the state's overall highway program. It should be
pointed out that all state and federal funds for California highways
go into the State Highway Fund and are then subject to the so-called
north-south split.
In other words, Interstate funds even though designated for a
specific freeway--are not over and above the north-south split but are
part of it. A loss of federal money to San Francisco and northern
California, therefore, is a loss to Los Angeles and southern California.
It is important to remember that California already sends sub-
stantially more highway user money to Washington than it gets back.
Because of these reasons, I am asking every member of the Cali-
fornia Congressional delegation and the Legislature to lend whatever
assistance they can in restoring this money to our highway and
Interstate highway programs. We intend to mobilize all the areas of
California's economy affected by the "cutback", including labor and
industry, and thus make our voice heard in Washington. California,
being a major contributor of funds, and a major recipient, should
lead the way in reversing these decisions.
# # #
-2-
PB
9
2
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Sacramento, California
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
445-4571
2.16.67
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF GOV. REAGAN ON THE CALIFORNIA WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
To the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of California:
I am today submitting a proposal for a California Waste Manage-
ment Program designed to end the pollution of our air, water and
land. Such pollution is a major threat to public health, economic
growth and the quality of our California environment.
Specific legislation will be introduced within the next few
weeks which will make California the first state in the nation to
adopt a comprehensive three-fold approach to the very critical
problems of pollution.
As you are aware, there are serious gaps in state policy and
a piecemeal fragmentation of governmental units which now charac-
terize the waste management field. There is an absence of state
policy goals aimed at improving the quality of our environment.
And there is little ability now to control the major sources of
pollution.
We must adopt a systematic program of action in this field.
To meet this need, we are proposing a policy that would:
1--Reorganize and consolidate the existing fragmented govern-
ment systems by establishing single state governmental units in
the fields of air resources, water resources and solid waste dispo-
sal. I cannot emphasize too strongly, however, that this consoli-
dation must preserve local responsibilities.
2--Establish tough anti-pollution standards, especially in the
field of air pollution.
3--Recognize that the related problems of air pollution, water
pollution and solid waste disposal are part of the general problem
of protecting the quality of California's environment.
I am, therefore, recommending legislation establishing a single
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Air Resources Board. This Board would have jurisdiction not only
in the field of motor vehicle emissions now covered by law, but
also over air pollution from stationary sources such as open burn-
ing, burning dumps and industrial-commercial operations.
This legislation would authorize the Air Resources Board to
adopt standards governing the composition of diesel and other motor
fuels and would establish a statewide air monitoring system. Edu-
cational efforts on the very serious problems of air pollution
would be stepped up.
In addition, a major requirement in the field of air pollution
should be a provision that vehicle emission devices be designed to
meet 1970 standards. This would give the automotive industry and
others a three-year period in which to develop and improve emission
devices that would meet a definite and minimum goal set for 1970.
Until now, limited responsibilities for air pollution control
have been vested at all levels of government. The result has been
an inability to develop a program that considers the total air
pollution burden on the air resources throughout a region.
I am further recommending that legislation be enacted to estab-
lish a single unit of state government for liquid waste management.
Responsibility for water quality control, according to a report by
the "Little Hoover Commission", is diffused among the State Water
Quality Control Board, nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards,
the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Public Health,
the Department of Fish and Game and waste discharges under self-
monitoring arrangements.
The Assembly Water Committee, headed by Assemblyman Carley
Porter, has recommended merging the State Water Rights and Water
Quality Control Boards and I look with approval on this measure.
Finally, legislation should be enacted which would designate
responsibility within the Department of Public Health for developing
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-3-
solid waste management policies and standards and for undertaking
research and development. In this field of refuse and sanitation,
no state agency now has the statutory responsibility for planning
and development of standards.
I would also suggest that legislation creating a California
Waste Management Act of 1967 be enacted, establishing an Environ-
mental Quality Board to provide a unified approach to solving the
problems of pollution control and improving the quality of our en-
vironment.
Such a Board would resolve policy conflicts between air, water
and solid waste disposal agencies and would make recommendations
to the Governor and the Legislature to prevent pollution. Repre-
sentatives on the Board might include those from the agencies in
the water, air and solid waste fields. Other members could be
representatives on the League of Cities, County Supervisors Assn.,
State Planning Office, the Legislature and the state Chamber of
Commerce.
Such a Board, involving all segments of the population, would
allow the needed folixibility Henibility necessary to implement pollution
controls on the local and regional levels.
What I have outlined today will have a very limited immediate
cost but will result in significantly improved programs for making
our environment livable. As state responsibility broadens, and
this unique approach results in a cleaner and better California,
costs will increase. But federal grants can be expected in the
future to finance this tremendously improved and vitally important
program.
This "Waste Management Program" provides California with the
opportunity to pioneer among all the states of this nation in the
waste management field.
California cannot afford to lose its three most valuable
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resources. If the air cannot be breathed, if the water is unfit
for drinking, if the land is despoiled by our own refuse, we will
have nothing. If we permit the befouling of our air, our water,
our land, we shortly will be unable to live in this great state.
I am thoroughly convinced that we must act--and act now. At
best, our current efforts are barely keeping even with the problem.
Much greater effort must be put forth. Enactment of this program
is the first step toward a brighter future.
PB
No
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
445-4571
2.28.67
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN
ON THE PROPOSED
CALIFORNIA JUDICIAL SELECTION ACT
I have today submitted to the State Legislature the proposed
California Judicial Selection Act under which only the most qualified
persons will be appointed to the courts of this State.
It is imperative that the State of California seek and maintain
the highest standards of judicial excellence. Every citizen must be
assured of receiving equal justice under the law and the highest
possible standards for members of the bench must be constantly main-
tained.
Discussions have been held for many years in an effort to find
the best method of removing the appointment of judges from any
possible political considerations. Until now, however, no plan has
truly succeeded in meeting that very laudable goal.
I am convinced that the California Judicial Selection Act will
achieve that goal--that this proposed legislation will, once and for
all, take the appointment of judges out of the political arena.
There can be no argument over the desirability--as a matter of
fact, over the necessity--of instituting a plan that will assure the
people of California of a judiciary composed of judges of the highest
integrity and professional competence.
This plan, in the form of a Constitutional amendment and imple-
menting legislation, is, in my opinion, one of the most important
matters to be placed before the Legislature this year. I have asked
Senator Donald L. Grunsky, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee,
to carry this legislation.
Senator Grunsky has devoted long and hard hours to the California
Judicial Selection Act and I am grateful for his diligent work. I
would hope that under his leadership this legislation will receive
the bipartisan support it truly deserves.
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There are several key provisions in this legislation which I will
briefly outline:
First, the procedure for selecting judges for appointment to
courts on the appellate level will vary slightly from the procedure
for appointing judges on the trial court level the Superior and
Municipal Court judges.
A Judicial Nominating Commission will be created, consisting of
the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court or the Acting Chief
Justice, two attorneys selected by the State Bar and three citizens,
appointed by the Governor, who are neither lawyers nor judges. Nom-
inations for appointment to the appellate courts may be submitted by
any person for consideration by the Commission. After review by the
Commission, not less than two names will be submitted to the Governor.
The appointment must be made from that list.
For appointments on the trial court level Superior and Munici-
pal Courts-- the Commission will be augmented by three persons from
the local community: a member of the local bar designated by the
local bar president, a judge selected under the rules of the local
court system, and a citizen, named by the Governor, who is neither a
judge nor a lawyer. The Governor would be required to submit not
less than three names to the Commission and the Commission in turn
would then recommend not less than two persons for appointment by the
Governor.
In cases where the names submitted by the Governor are not
acceptable to the Commission, or where the Commission is unable to
recommend two or more persons, the Governor would be required to fur-
nish additional names for Superior and Municipal court appointments.
The final key provision of this legislation changes the re-elec-
tion procedure for Superior and Municipal Court judges. When the term
of a judge's appointment comes to an end, the voters would have the
right to vote either "yes" or "no" as they now do on the appellate
court level. If the vote is "no," the judge is not re-elected and
another person is then appointed under the procedure set forth in the
California Judicial Selection Act.
I am confident this plan will resolve all present conflicts and
disputes and may well serve as a national model for selecting judges
solely on the basis of their professional and personal competence.
PB
3/13
M
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ON
COLORADO RIVER AND NATIONAL WATER
COMMISSION LEGISLATION*
I welcome this opportunity to make known the official
views of California's new administration on the important water
legislation now before this Subcommittee. There is no need to
recite in detail the importance of water to California and the
West. And there is nothing I need add to reinforce the fact that
the Colorado River Basin and the Pacific Southwest face imminent
and widespread water deficiencies. The record compiled at previous
hearings before this distinguished body established those facts
beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The goals are clear, the need for action unmistakable --
what the entire Pacific Southwest needs now is legislation which
satisfies the region's immediate needs through added development
of the limited resources of the Colorado River, but recognizes
also the area's longer range requirements and sets in motion a
program to augment the supplies of the Colorado. It is my objective
today to bring to your attention principles that California believes
essential to this legislation.
We ask first that the legislation recognize the generally
accepted fact that the dependable natural supply of the Colorado
River is insufficient to meet all compact and decree apportionments
to the seven states of the Colorado River Basin; and the further
* For presentation by William R. Gianelli, Director of the Department
of Water Resources, before the House Subcommittee on Irrigation
and Reclamation in Washington, D. C., the week of March 13-17, 1967.
fact that the dependable supply available to the Lower Basin will
be unable to meet existing uses and the added burden of the Central
Arizona Project beyond perhaps 1990 or the turn of the century,
even with California's existing uses limited to 4.4 million acre-
feet per year. While it appears that the Lower Colorado supply has
the potential of satisfying existing uses and those of the Central
Arizona Project for perhaps 25 years, this is the case only because
several of the other states are not at this time using all of the
water to which they are entitled and because California's present
uses will be cut back from 5.1 to 4.4 million acre-feet per year
when the Central Arizona Project goes into operation.
The only certain way of assuring continued development
and prosperity in the Pacific Southwest and of bringing peace to
the Colorado River is to increase the natural supplies of the
region. The legislation then should contain a reasonable promise
that the additional burden of the Central Arizona Project will be
relieved within a quarter of a century by augmentation of supply
of the Colorado.
While we are convinced in California that meaningful
steps must be taken to bring about augmentation of the supply of
the Colorado River as a part of the legislation before you, we
recognize that there has been neither a westwide nor a national
consensus on definition of these steps. A legislative position on
this issue that is acceptable to the Southwest but is unacceptable
to the Northwest has little, if any, utility. The converse, a
solution acceptable to the Northwest but not to the Southwest, is
no better.
-2-
As you know, the study provisions of Title II of HR 4671,
as favorably reported by the House Interior and Insular Affairs
Committee last year, were endorsed by the Southwest but opposed
vigorously by the Northwest. These study provisions, we felt, were
eminently fair in that they called for impartial analysis of all
potential sources of Colorado River, including the rivers of our
own North Coastal area. Nevertheless, spokesmen for the Pacific
Northwest insisted upon their deletion from the Colorado River
Basin Project legislation. Complete failure to deal with this
aspect of the problem, however -- as I've already indicated -- would
prove inimicable to the best interests and welfare of the Pacific
Southwest. The West, then, faces an impasse, unless the states
of both the Northwest and the Southwest and the Congress concentrate
on expanding common ground.
The creation of a National Water Commission so strongly
favored by the Northwest was accepted by the Southwest as part of
last year's HR 4671. Both regions endorse the concept that when
studies of river augmentation are undertaken, they must be objective
and must encompass all real alternatives.
Expanding these two ideas, it appears that the essential
ingredients of a viable augmentation study are that it be conducted
under the supervision of an impartial body; that it be completed
on a timely basis; that the rights of the states and regions be
fully respected; that the affected states be permitted to partici-
pate effectively; that all related factors be considered, including
those outside the purely engineering and economic fields; and that
the expertise of existing state and federal agencies be used to
the maximum extent possible.
-3-
It should be possible to reach agreement on eách of these
elements and I urge the Subcommittee to bend all efforts to do so
and to obtain agreement on the augmentation studies issue.
We support authorization of the Central Arizona Project
but ask that authorization include, in addition to studies of means
of augmenting the supply of the Colorado, protection of existing
uses until the River is adequately supplemented.
The merits of protecting existing water uses in the
Lower Colorado River Basin, with California's uses being protected
to the extent of 4.4 million acre-feet per annum, have been fully
debated before this Subcommittee. The Colorado River Basin States
struggled with this problem for months before resolving it early
in 1965 in favor of protecting existing uses and rights. This
solution was acceptable to this Subcommittee, the full Committee
on Interior and Insular Affairs, and to the National Administration
last year. Secretary Udall's report to Chairman Aspinall on
HR 3300, dated February 15, 1967, states that "the questions of
whether there should be statutory priority and of its terms are
primarily for resolution by the states involved and the Congress.
If agreement can be reached upon an interstate priority, the
Administration would offer no objection. The Bureau of Reclamation
water supply studies, financial analysis and feasibility determina-
tion for the Central Arizona project have been made in the light of
a priority of 4,400,000 acre-feet per annum for California uses
and for existing rights and uses in Nevada and Arizona". There
is no cogent reason to upset the accord established last year and
continued in the Secretary's report.
-4-
Some of the bills before you contain, in addition to the
Central Arizona Project, authorizations for the construction,
operation, and maintenance of five new projects in the Upper Basin.
Since it is our understanding that these features are favored by
the state directly affected; are economically justified on the
basis of Bureau of Reclamation studies; and, on the basis of both
entitlement and physical availability, can reasonably be expected
to have an adequate water supply, we support their authorization.
We regard the National Administration's position as
announced by Secretary Udall on February 1 as a long step backward
from the regional approach which he initiated in 1963 and promoted
before this Subcommittee throughout the Subcommittee's sessions
during the last two years. The piecemeal approach now proposed by
the Secretary avoids the fundamental water problem facing the entire
West. The Administration's proposal would add materially to the
burden of demand on the River without attempting to solve the basic
problem of an insufficient supply in the Colorado. California urges
the Subcommittee to reject the Administration's proposal and to
continue to seek a regional solution to what is truly a regional
problem.
-5-
HOOVER
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE: Immediate
USAA
Sacramento, California
ARCHIVES
Contact:
Paul Beck
445-4571
3.18.68
EXCERPTS OF REMARKS BY GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN
Before Citizens' Conference on the California
Merit Plan for Judicial Selection
Hotel El Dorado, Sacramento
March 18, 1968
First of all, I want to thank all of you for having come here
today--for having taken time from your busy schedules--to join with
Chief Justice Traynor and me in this Citizens' Conference on the
California Merit Plan for Judicial Selection.
In accepting our invitation, you have expressed your support
for the plan which will further up-grade the quality of our judiciary
in the years to come. I believe that your support reflects a concern
on the part of all Californians that the high standards of our
judiciary be both maintained and improved upon in the future.
While our state has achieved an enviable reputation for the
quality of its judicial system, there remains a chance, under our
at
present system, that/some time in the future the selection of judges
might be made without regard to merit, proven honor, ability and
integrity. The California Merit Plan for Judicial Selection was
developed with exhaustive care. It has the unqualified support of
the State Bar, the Judicial Council and my administration.
I
believe that a judicial selection system, based solely on competence
and not on possible political considerations, will insure that the
administration of justice continues to be in the very best interest
of the people of this state.
As you know, one of my campaign pledges was aimed squarely at
taking the appointment of judges out of partisan politics. Appoint-
ment of the best possible judges to the courts of California is a
matter of extreme and personal importance to every citizen of this
state.
Ours is a government of laws, not of men. Yet, we must always
remember that laws are written by men, interpreted by men and changed
by men. Because of this, all citizens have an obligation to insure
that those who write the laws, those who interpret them and those
who judge over them are fair-minded men and women, of proven honor,
ability and integrity. Because of this, the method of judicial
selection in California is a subject of great concern. It is
essential that attorneys have qualified judges before whom to try
their cases. It is imperative that all citizens have confidence
that they can obtain from the judiciary equal justice under the
law. And it is vital that judges themselves can serve with pride
among colleagues of demonstrated quality and merit.
Under our doctrine of separation of governmental powers, a
governor can recommend laws but he cannot make the laws or appoint
those who do. By the same token, the governor, except in clemency
matters, cannot judge under the law, but he can--in fact, under our
system, he often must--appoint those who do judge.
This authority places an awesome responsibility and power in
the hands of the governor. He, in fact, controls the administration
of justice through the men he chooses. Justice can be good, bad or
indifferent, depending on the judge--and thus, indirectly, on the
man who appoints the judge. While judges must, in theory, be
approved by a vote of the people, the fact is that most attorney
who become judges seldom face a real test at the polls. Few judges
are initially elected to office. Rather, most of them are appointed
to the bench to fill an existing vacancy. And once appointed by
the governor, a judge seldom faces opposition. As the incumbent,
(
has a decided advantage over any opponent. Thus, with rare exceptions,
the person who the governor selects for judgeship usually has a life-
time position.
It is with this appreciation of the governor's role in the
selection of judges, and my responsibility for the executive adminis-
tration of justice, that I so enthusiasticly support this plan for
judicial selection. For it would clearly take the selection of
judges out of partisan politics. It would maintain the highest
standards of judicial selection and insure that any governor could
select only the most qualified candidate for appointment to the
bench.
I am confidant--and have been for a long time--that this plan
is what the people of California want. = am pleased to know that
you share my enthusisan.
In last year's legislative session, plans were submitted by
my administration and the State Bar to take the selection of judges
out of politics. But, unfortunately, they did not gain the approval
of the legislature.
The plan that will be explained to you today has been intro-
-2-
duced in the legis_ature by Senator Donald Gr sky and co-authored
by Assemblyman Bill Bagley.
The Chief Justice and I have asked for quick and favorable
action by the legislature. We are sincerely hopeful that it will
be approved by our lawmakers. The plan will then go to a vote of
the people in November by means of a Constitutional Amendment.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is where you come in. You will
form the nucleus of a statewide grass-root effort to anlist support
for the plan by the people of this state. You and the local citizens'
committees you will form in your communities will be able to carry
this message to the people.
I believe that the massive public information program that
you are about to ambark upon will result in an overwhelming affirma-
tive vote to change the law at the polls in November. Your charge
is to explain the many merits of the plan before service clubs,
community groups, business organizations and citizen bodies--and
to answer those questions they may have with regard to it.
The workshops you will sit in on today will enable you to
know much more about the plan yourselves and provide the groundwork
for effective action in your communities.
Again, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your
having come here today.
Thank you.
# # #
(NOTE: Since Governor Reagan speaks from notes, there may be
additions to, or changes in the above. However, Governor
Reagan will stand by the above quotes.)
-3-
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNO
Sacramento, Californi
445-4571
3.28.67
STATEMENT BY MR. PHILIP M. BATTAGLIA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO
GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN, TO THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS:
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to testify before
this committee and to assure you that the Governor's Office is always
willing to assist legislative committees in seeking out the truth.
All you have to do is ask us. Subpoenaes are not necessary.
I would like to point out, however, that some of the testimony
given this morning did not appear to be concerned with the facts, but
was, unfortunately, based on a certain amount of emotionalism.
Any statement--whether it is here in this committee or elsewhere--
that directly or indirectly implies that there is a lack of concern
for human needs by this administration is not only false but is the
type of emotional outcry that disregards the facts.
As you have heard from Spencer Williams, this administration's
proposals in regard to the Department of Mental Hygiene are based on
the premise that present levels of care will be maintained. Comments
to the contrary are not true.
For example, a statement this morning was said to have been based
on facts but admittedly contained rumors. From these false rumors,
predictions were made on what would occur in the future--predictions
that cannot be based on facts. Such presentations do a disservice to
this committee, to the State of California and to the mentally ill.
In addition, I would like to point out that irresponsible state-
ments concerning the alleged "shattering of employee morale" are geared
to cause such a shattering. They accomplish absolutely no positive
effect.
I also would like to note that this administration intends to
proceed with a positive program aimed at effecting economies for the
taxpayers of California while at the same time maintaining a high
quality of service for the people who need it. To do otherwise would,
indeed, be foolhardy.
We urgently request that this committee consider the facts--facts
minus rumors, innuendoes and emotionalism. We are confident that when
the facts are known, the administration's program for the Department of
Mental Hygiene will be agreeable to the Legislature and the people of
California. Thank you.
# # #
3/29
Education
OFFICE OF THE GOVERN
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
445-4571
3.29.67
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To the Senate and the Assembly of the Legislature of California:
Within the next several days, I hope to send to the Legislature
a series of measures aimed at improving our educational system and
turning more control of it over to the local school districts.
At the same time, it is my intention to have the State support,
in any way possible, a study of vocational education needs in
California, to be financed by a grant of federal funds and already
authorized.
The legislative proposals are in addition to the steps we have
taken in the budget and revenue bills aimed at helping poorer dis-
tricts, and eventually returning State support to its former 50 per-
cent level. A resume of steps taken is attached.
Because of the present State fiscal situation, other programs
needing extensive funding will be held to a minimum.
However, I am hopeful money can be found for an extension of the
basic reading program. The budget now contains $4 million for that
purpose. However, if the Legislature loosens requirements SO that
additional school districts can participate, as much as $9 million
more may be required.
Other programs we are proposing have bipartisan support also.
In the area of school district unification, we propose legisla-
tion to:
Eliminate the existing requirement that a two-year repeat elec-
tion be held in school districts where unification has been turned
down by the voters;
Provide greater local autonomy by authorizing local officials,
such as the county superintendent of schools or a majority of the
governing boards in the area, to call a unification election;
Deal with the problem of immediate elections required by an
Attorney General's opinion;
(MORE)
-2-
Relax present code requirements that boundaries of new unified
districts coincide with existing high school district boundary lines
so that districts can be formed that more accurately reflect local
interests;
Require that a full statement of anticipated costs associated
with unification accompany other data prepared for presentation to
the voters in a unification election;
Authorize the State Board of Education to approve division of
existing unified districts when proposed by the County Committee on
School District Organizations.
In the area of teacher credentials, we seek legislation that will
modify the Fisher Act so as to encourage teachers to enter the elemen-
tary education field.
We also recommend that a study be made to determine what consti-
tutes necessary education for the elementary teacher; how teacher
credentialing procedures can be simplified and streamlined, and how
piecemeal changes in credentialing requirements can be ended.
We will ask legislation to establish an Education Code Revision
Commission to reform the Education Code to provide for more local con-
trol and flexibility, especially in matters of school finance and bud-
geting, and seek ways to eliminate certain mandated programs which
create an unnecessary burden on school districts.
We will also ask for legislation which will give school districts
greater choice in the selection of textbooks.
We are looking forward to additional programs next year when,
hopefully, our fiscal problems will have been solved and money will
be available. We are thinking in terms of more support for vocational
programs and kindergarten programs. Regretfully, these must be by-
passed this year.
RONALD REAGAN
Governor
CURRENT SUPPORT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(IN MILLIONS)
DISTRIBUTION %
State
Local
Total
State
Local
1964-65
$1,048.9
$1,582.6
$2,631.6
39.9
60.1
1965-66
1,117.0
1,760.9
2,877.9
38.8
61.2
1966-67
1,247.5
2,002.7
3,250.2
38.4
61.6
1967-68 Budget
1,248.4
2,295.0 est.
Low Wealth
35.0
0.0
Add. Support
50.0
-
50.0
Property Tax
Relief
120.0
- 120.0
Total
$1,453.4
$2,125.0
$3,578.4
40.6
59.4
1968-69 Estimate
1,290.0
2,650.0
Low Wealth
37.0
0.0
Add. Support
75.0
-
75.0
Property Tax
Relief
300.0
- 300.0
Total
$1,702.0
$2,275.0
$3,977.0
42.8
57.2
EDUCATION COMPONENTS OF GOVERNOR'S TAX PROGRAM
1.
Extend the supplemental aid to low-wealth
school districts
$35,000,000
2.
Provide cost-of-living increase for
retired teachers
10,000,000
3.
Improve the foundation programs and
special allowances for physically handi-
capped and retarded
30,171,328
4.
Augment amounts provided for education
of educationally handicapped
750,691
5.
Reduce class size in the first three
grades
10,000,000
6.
Give additional supplemental support in
low-wealth school districts
7,700,000
7.
Improve in other ways the quality of
education offered in our public schools
system
1,093,006
Total
$94,715,025
3/31
3
131
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE: SATURDAY
Sacramento, California
April 1, 1967
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
9:15 pm
445-4571
3.31.67
GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN
TO
CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY
LAFAYETTE HOTEL, LONG BEACH
APRIL 1, 1967
It is a pleasure to be here tonight, talking again to the members
of the California Republican Assembly, California's oldest volunteer
Republican organization.
I have that warm feeling a person gets when he knows he's among
friends--friends who think like he does and have the same goals and
aspirations. Could be I'm especially conscious of this for the same
reason a man only realizes how thirsty he really is when he takes a
cooling drink. Besides that, the members of the CRA have always put
their money and their energies where a lot of people are content
merely to put their mouths. And, believe me, that is appreciated.
You have supported and worked actively and hard for the principles
in which we believe and the candidates who represent those principles--
Republican candidates and principles, if you will.
It is the work and support given by you and the members of the
other Republican volunteer groups which, in large measure, were respon-
sible for our party's success last November.
I, for one, am grateful, and I know that that gratitude is shared
by many others--winners and losers--who had your help.
That election has California again on the right road--in the
interest of harmony, let me hasten to say I use "right" in the sense
of meaning "correct" not the road back, but the road ahead to a
better, more responsible, more meaningful life for all our citizens,
a life in which they are allowed to develop and pursue their aims and
ambitions to the fullest, without the constant interference and domina-
tion of big spending, big brother government.
But we have just started down that new road. There is still much
to be done and there are many problems yet to be solved.
We have just begun to put our State house in order. And every
move we make brings a fresh protest from those who think that your
money and mine is theirs to spend--as they see fit.
We intend to put an end to that kind of thinking an end to the
philosophy that government has a right to match taxes to whatever it
(MORE)
-2-
wants to spend instead of spending only what needs to be spent.
During the campaign it looked almost as if we could put our fiscal
house in order without resorting to new taxes. We did not know just
how bad the situation was then. Now we have had access to, and a
chance to read, the fine print.
As a result, we have, as you know, submitted a revenue bill of
nearly one billion dollars in increased taxes. Because there has been
some editorial jumping-up-and-down-with-glee, holding that this makes
a failure in our long-held belief in economy, let's set the record
straight here and now.
Roughly half of that tax increase is necessary simply to pay off
this year's deficit and put us on a pay-as-you-go basis. Half of the
remainder is not a new tax so much as a broader based substitute tax
to give, for the first time, direct property tax relief. Next year,
with the deficit paid off, that relief can be more than doubled.
The remainder--about one-quarter of the total tax revenues--is
for the normal increase to keep pace with population growth and in-
creased prices and wages resulting from the Federal government's
policy of planned inflation. Ths increase is about 7%, in contrast
with the 16% increase of the past year and the 12% average increase
over the last eight years.
We tried for some $250 million in economies in the budgets re-
quested by all the divisions of government. We ended up with more
than $127 million. I'm just stubborn enough to think we got the $127
million because we tried for $250 million and we will continue to
follow that policy.
Incidentally, one of the most heartening signs we have had in
this brief administration is the recent poll which indicates most of
our citizens favor our revenue package and, of those who favor it,
70% do so because they see the need to balance the budget.
Perhaps the Federal government could take note of this.
But our aims go far beyond this. We do not intend to balance
future budgets by increasing taxes. Instead, we intend to balance
them by making government more economical, by streamlining it. Like
this year, next year--and the years following--will be years where we
do not intend to spend one dollar more than necessary of the people's
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-3-
money to conduct the people's business.
Let me digress for a moment. During the campaign, I became a
kind of Johnny-One-Note on the subject of government of, and by, the
people--of building what I called a Creative Society by turning to the
great power of the people instead of always creating additional bureau-
cracy. There did not seem to be much of a quarrel with this idea.
In fact, once or twice I had to talk pretty loudly when it looked as
if the opposition had claimed squatters rights on the idea and was
making more noise about it than I was. They even appointed a few
citizens' commission late in the campaign which, we hope, will surface
one of these days for re-fueling.
But some who listened and endorsed before November 8th were pretty
horrified to discover the campaign blossoms were bearing fruit. Some-
how they remind me of an incident which occurred early in World War II.
A shipload of canned fish was interned in an Italian port and,
when finally released for sale, the cargo brought $25,000. It was
then resold for $50,000 and, as the war years went on, that shipment
of canned fish kept changing hands until, finally, it brought $600,000.
The last purchaser opened a can and tried the fish. Enraged, he
got on the phone and demanded that something be done because the fish
was spoiled. And he was told by the man who sold it to him, "But that
fish isn't for eating; it's for selling!"
Well, our fish is for eating.
You would think that, when government can get things done without
adding to the burden of the taxpayers, everyone would be happy. Unfor-
tunately, that is not the case. Some reactionaries still think the
only way to get things done is to soak the taxpayer--that, somehow, it
isn't legal unless it's compulsory.
In pointing up the potential of a Creative Society during the
campaign, attention was called to the cooperation between certain
government agencies and private industry which resulted in 17,800 jobs
for unemployed from the Watts curfew area in a 16-month period. These
jobs were in private industry and two-thirds of them are still filled.
Of the other one-third, half moved on to better jobs. The man who
spearheaded this is Mr. H.C, McClellan and he is at work now setting
up a similar program on a statewide basis at no expense to the tax-
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-4-
payers. A Congressman from the area that benefitted st--motivated
either by partisanship or a philosophical refusal to approve of private
industry--has attacked this program on the basis that only government
jobs and tax money should help the unemployed.
We have, as you know, a task force of 150 industrial and business
executives- the best and most successful in the state--who will be
working as full-time volunteers for the next several months. These
men are bringing their special knowledge, skill and experience to bear
on the structure of State government. They will go into every depart-
ment and agency of the State to see how efficiency can be improved and
costs cut. In short, they will tell us how we can bring modern business
practices to government agencies. This study, incidentally, will cost
the taxpayers only a few thousand dollars; the direct costs of it are
being underwritten by public-spirited members of business and industry.
Strangely enough, at least one metropolitan paper finds something
sinister in private citizens wanting to help out. The same paper can
editorialize itself into a state of euphoria about the civic duty of
citizens to contribute to Community Chest, an art museum or a music
center
but, if those same citizens want to help the government under
which they live, they must have ulterior motives. Of course that is
right, if a desire for better government can be termed an ulterior
motive.
The fish is for eating. We have called on our fellow citizens
to take time out from their own careers and business activities to man
the administrative posts of government. Nothing has ever made me so
proud as their response. No state government has ever recruited man-
power to match ours. We have found men to match our mountains.
Other citizens will soon be embarked on a total study of our tax
structure.
We have probably the most beautiful capitol of any of the states
and soon we will have a new residence for California' governors in
keeping with our California heritage. This too will be provided by
the people voluntarily. A bipartisan group has formed a non-profit
corporation to build, in the city of Sacramento, a dwelling to be
donated to the State of California for use as an official residence
for the governors. Gifts of not more than $500 and not less than $1
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-5.
will be solicited on a broad statewide basis. Yet, even this has been
distorted to appear as if a small band of so-called "fat cats" are
doing something undercover and not quite nice.
Fortunately, the members of CRA, like most of our private citizens,
do not follow this line of thinking. We have been brought together
by a belief that one of our problems is too much government and too
much compulsion
that we, as citizens, have a right to participate
in our government in ways other than just paying taxes, running for
office or seeking appointments.
But suddenly some, who apparently shared this concept prior to
November 8th, are opposed to the practice of that concept. Suddenly,
the concept of economy in government has also become wrong to some,
especially to some whose particular pet oxen have been gored by some
of the proposed economies.
Now our economies are not aimed at eliminating needed services or
programs. But they are aimed at trimming far and waste, at cutting
out the frills, at keeping government to the size where it remains
the servant, and does not become the master, of the people.
And they are aimed at reducing the tax burden on the people. You
have read some of the things we are doing, and have heard the outcry
of the wounded. $5 million has been saved by cutting down on out-of-
state travel by public servants who like to roam
$20 million a year
saved by cutting out unneeded workers in some of our institutions
where the number of patients has dwindled by 40% but where, until now,
there has been no reduction in the numbers of employees.
Other millions are being saved because we have been able to per-
suade our colleges and universities to face up to the fact that as
public institutions they have a public responsibility not to spend
beyond the public's means.
Now none of this should have surprised anyone, for just as we
promised to bring government back to the people, so did we also pro-
mise to bring frugality and thrift back to government.
But we also promised to do this without hurting the truly needy
and the truly deserving. That is why extra funds for the crippled
children's program were approved
why money was left in the budget
for needed salary increases
why extra funds to help teachers who
-6-
retired on inadequate pensions and who have not had the raise needed
to combat inflation were provided why the State employment office
has been instructed to make special efforts to find jobs for those
State employees laid off through no fault of their own.
There were a few more promises, such as to take steps to cut
California's soaring crime rate. Well, an anti-crime legislative
package instituted by this administration has already received prelim-
inary approval in the Legislature.
And something was said about eliminating government by hacks and
cronies and relatives--my only brother hasn't even asked for a job.
An issue discussed in the campaign was taking the appointment of
judges out of politics. While waiting for the Legislature to act in
this area, we have set up special screening committees composed of
representatives of the bar associations, the presiding judges of the
various judicial districts and lay representatives to insure that only
qualified attorneys are picked as judges. To date, we have selected
only the number one recommendation for each judgeship.
In addition to proposed legislation that will take away the
compulsory aspects of the school district unification law and other
laws that have foisted costly programs on school districts without
providing the funds for their financing, we have made a start toward
restoring the 50-50 State and local financing of schools.
We are also moving forward on our agriculture program and on pro-
grams aimed at improving the business climate and at conserving our
land, air, water and oceanographic resources.
Do not be fooled by the special interest propagandists. We will
maintain our redwood forests, but we will not give them to the
Federal government without getting something of equal value in return,
and we will not act in such a way as to endanger the economy of our
northwestern California counties.
We will make provision for maintaining our wilderness areas, but
we will not blindly set aside huge tracts so they cannot be used to
meet the recreational and industrial needs of our expanding population.
We will press ahead on our State water program, but we will also
cooperate in the fresh water program of the future--desalinization.
We will work to keep industry in California and to entice more
(MORE)
-7-
industry here, but we will also work to diversify industry and to
build new industries in new fields such as those offered by the ocean,
so that California will not continue to be so heavily dependent on
defense and other government contracts.
We will work to make and keep California number one
not only
number one in terms of growth and economy, but also number one in
terms of the kind of government that best suits a free people--a
government oriented to their needs, but also a government oriented to
their rights and their responsibilities.
We will work also to make the state an effective bulwark between
the people and an ever-encroaching Federal government. That govern-
ment is best which remains closest to the people, but almost daily
the Goliath that is the Federal government moves to gather more power
unto itself and to minimize the functions of both the Congress and
the states.
In recent weeks, the Secretary of Labor has set discriminatory
minimum farm wages--$1.50 in California
as low as $1.00 elsewhere.
Yet, California farmers are expected to compete under this differen-
tial on the national market despite the additional high cost of
shipping produce from the West Coast.
Only two weeks ago, the President called the governors together
to tell them the Federal government wished to work more closely with
the states in distributing Federal monies and Federal programs.
This was obviously an attempt to minimize efforts in the Congress
to provide string-free money to the states. If Congress were to take
this action, only Congress could repeal it. But what the White House
gives, the White House can take away without regard to the Congress or
the states.
While Cabinet officials were maing promises to governors, lower
echelon officials were disclosing plans by the Federal government to
bypass Sacramento in setting up new job programs and the Interior
Department was going ahead with its efforts to make Imperial Valley
farmers adhere to the outmoded 160-acre limitation.
It is not enough for our Senators and our Representatives to seek
to pass legislation involving the several states, they must also work
to insure that legislation does not infringe on the rights of the
(MORE)
-8-
individual states and they must be wary lest they trade those rights
for the Federal dollar, which, after all, is merely what is left of
the citizen's dollar after it has been strained through the Washington
bureaucracy.
I have met with our Congressman, on both sides of the aisle; I
have talked with both our Senators. I have assured all of them that
the administration in Sacramento will work with them and cooperate
with them whereever the interests of the State are involved.
And I have urged them to guard carefully those interests against
the encroachments of the Federal government. There is little use in
saving our freedom at the local and State levels if we lose it on the
national level.
When we first suggested tuition for the University and College
systems, one of the University chancellors in a rash moment cried out
that he would not preside over the dissolution of a great University.
I join him in that. But at the same time I have no intention of pre-
siding over the dissolution of a great State. Our aim-yours and
mine and our party's-- instead, to build an even greater State.
As I said earlier tonight, it is the volunteer Republican organi-
zations such as the CRA that have provided so many of the workers and
so much of the enthusiasm and support for our party in California.
All of us, including myself, have much to be grateful to you for.
We could not have won without you last November, nor will we know
victory in 1968 without your wholehearted and undivided support.
But do we want to be like the nostalgic old grad who lives in
the fading memory of one championship team, or do we look ahead and
anticipate successive new victories?
If we are going to live in the past--just remember, that past
includes bitter defeats between 1958 and 1964. We could not have won
with you if we had stooped to the intraparty warfare that character-
ized our years of defeat.
We have not won a war, or even complete victory in a battle. We
stopped our opponent's advance and halted our own retreat. We cannot
hold the present gains unless we move forward. Let me remind you: we
did not win control of the Assembly; we did not win control of the
Senate; we did not win the office of Attorney General even though we
had good candidates and good organization.
The 11th Commandment kept our party unified; but we were, and
are still, a minority party. There is still much to be done in party
building, in convincing independents and members of the opposing party
that the course we chart leads to fiscal sanity, strong local govern-
ment and individual rights and responsibilities.
(MORE)
-9-
Maybe there once was a time when our two-party system was less
a difference in philosophy than a contest between partisams loyal to
the old school tie, but no more. Last November, millions of people
voted to change, or at least pause to review, the philosophy of the
party leadership now in power. They did not just decide to change
hats and join the other club for a while.
Fortunately for those millions of concerned citizens, we too had
paused to take inventory. We discovered we could no longer afford the
luxury of internal fighting, backbiting and throatcutting. We dis-
covered our philosophical difference with those presently in power
was greater than any grudge or split within our own ranks. We were
ready and in position to offer an alternative for those concerned
citizens who wanted to join with others, not to win a contest, but to
preserve a way of life.
We must keep the door open--offering our party as the only prac-
tical answer for those who, overall, are individualists. And because
this is the great common denominator--this dedication to the belief
in man's aspirations as an individual--we cannot offer them a narrow
sectarian party in which all must swear alliegance to prescribed
commandments.
Such a party can be highly disciplined, but it does not win
elections. This kind of party soon disappears in a blaze of glorious
defeat, and it never puts into practice its basic tenets, no matter
how noble they may be.
The Republican Party, both in this state and nationally, is a
broad party. There is room in our tent for many views; indeed, the
divergence of views is one of our strengths. Let no one, however,
interpret this to mean compromise of basic philosophy or that we will
be all things to all people for political expediency.
In our tent will be found those who believe that government was
created by "We, the People"; that government exists for the conven-
ience of the people and we can give to government no power we do not
possess as individuals; that the citizen does not earn to support
government, but supports government so that he may be free to earn;
that, because there can be no freedom without law and order, every
act of government must be approved if it makes freedom more secure
(MORE)
-10-
and disapproved if it offers security instead of freedom.
Within our tent, there will be many arguments and divisions over
approach and method and even those we choose to implement our philo-
sophy. Seldom, if ever, will we raise a cheer signifying unanimous
approval of the decisions reached. But if our philosophy is to pre-
vail, we must at least pledge unified support of the ultimate deci-
sion. Unity does not require unanimity of thought.
And here is the challenge to you. It is the duty and responsibi-
lity of the volunteer Republican organizations, not to further divide,
but to lead the way to unity. It is not your duty, responsibility or
privilege to tear down, or attempt to destroy, others in the tent.
As duly chartered Republican organizations, we all can advance our
particular sectarianism or brand of candidates for the party to pass
on openly and freely in a primary election.
But, as volunteer organizations, we must always remain in a
position that will let us effectively support the candidates chosen
by the entire party in a primary. To do less is a disservice to the
party and, more importantly, to the cause in which we all believe.
Our 11th Commandment is perhaps more profound than we realize.
"Thou shall not speak ill of any Republican." To do so means we are
inhibited in the support we can give that Republican if he should
become the nominee of our party. Certainly our task is harder if we
must challenge and refute charges made by our opponents if those
charges were first uttered by us.
It is my belief that, as Governor, I should neither endorse a
primary candidate nor involve myself behind the scenes in primary
campaigning. To do so is a misuse of the office with which I have
been entrusted. When the primary is over, I believe I have a committ-
ment--a contract if you will to wholeheartedly support every candi-
date chosen by the party.
You, on the other hand, as individuals and as an organization,
should be so involved. You, by your membership in a volunteer group,
have proven you are activists--leaders in furthering the philosophy
which brings us together. You must, therefore, be leaders in setting
campaign standards--ready to endorse the party choice--just as ready
to repudiate any candidate or campaign which refuses to abide by
(MORE)
-11-
those standards.
Fight as hard in the coming primary as you can for your candi-
dates, but be against only those we must defeat in November of 1968.
Let no opposition candidate quote your words in the general election
to advance statism or the philosophy of those who have lost confidence
in man's capacity for self-rule.
Just a year ago, we were a party almost totally without power.
The two-party system existed only in theory. Out of sheer necessity,
we achieved unity and victory. With that victory, we bought time--
time to rally our forces for what may be our last chance.
As a result of our victory, we started something in this State.
We are being watched
watched by those all across this land who
once again dare to believe that our concept of responsible, people-
oriented government can work as the founding fathers meant it to work.
If WE prove that here, we can, as I have said before, start a prairie
fire that can sweep across this country.
But to start that fire, we must nurture the flame here at home
or it will flicker and die and those who come after us will find
only the ashes of lost hopes and dead dreams.
/RR/
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
RELEASE: SATURDAY
Sacramento, California
April 1, 1967
Contact: Lyn Nofziger
9:15 pm
445-4571
3.31.67
GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
TO
CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY
LAFAYETTE HOTEL, LONG BEACH
APR 7 1967
APRIL 1, 1967
LIBRARY
GOVT. PUBS. SERV.
It is a pleasure to be here tonight, talking again to the members
of the California Republican Assembly, California's oldest volunteer
Republican organization.
I have that warm feeling a person gets when he knows he's among
friends friends who think like he does and have the same goals and
aspirations. Could be I'm especially conscious of this for the same
reason a man only realizes how thirsty he really is when he takes a
cooling drink. Besides that, the members of the CRA have always put
their money and their energies where a lot of people are content
merely to put their mouths. And, believe me, that is appreciated.
You have supported and worked actively and hard for the principles
in which we believe and the candidates who represent those principles--
Republican candidates and principles, if you will.
It is the work and support given by you and the members of the
other Republican volunteer groups which, in large measure, were respon-
sible for our party's success last November.
I, for one, am grateful, and I know that that gratitude is shared
by many others--winners and losers--who had your help.
That election has California again on the right road--in the
interest of harmony, let me hasten to say I use "right" in the sense
of meaning "correct" not the road back, but the road ahead to a
better, more responsible, more meaningful life for all our citizens,
a life in which they are allowed to develop and pursue their aims and
ambitions to the fullest, without the constant interference and domina-
tion of big spending, big brother government.
But we have just started down that new road. There is still much
to be done and there are many problems yet to be solved.
We have just begun to put our State house in order. And every
move we make brings a fresh protest from those who think that your
money and mine is theirs to spend- as they see fit.
We intend to put an end to that kind of thinking- an end to the
philosophy that government has a right to match taxes to whatever it
(more)
-2-
wants to spend instead of spending only what needs to be spent.
During the campaign it looked almost as if we could put our fiscal
house in order without resorting to new taxes. We did not know just
how bad the situation was then. Now we have had access to, and a
chance to read, the fine print.
As a result, we have, as you know, submitted a revenue bill of
nearly one billion dollars in increased taxes. Because there has been
some editorial jumping-up-and-down-with-glee, holding that this makes
a failure in our long-held belief in economy, let's set the record
straight here and now.
Roughly half of that tax increase is necessary simply to pay off
this year's deficit and put us on a pay-as-you-go basis. Half of the
remainder is not a new tax so much as a broader based substitute tax
to give, for the first time, direct property tax relief. Next year,
with the deficit paid off, that relief can be more than doubled.
The remainder--about one-quarter of the total tax revenues--is
for the normal increase to keep pace with population growth and in-
creased prices and wages resulting from the Federal government's
policy of planned inflation. Ths increase is about 7%, in contrast
with the 16% increase of the past year and the 12% average increase
over the last eight years.
We tried for some $250 million in economies in the budgets re-
quested by all the divisions of government. We ended up with more
than $127 million. I'm just stubborn enough to think we got the $127
million because we tried for $250 million and we will continue to
follow that policy.
Incidentally, one of the most heartening signs we have had in
this brief administration is the recent poll which indicates most of
our citizens favor our revenue package and, of those who favor it,
70% do so because they see the need to balance the budget.
Perhaps the Federal government could take note of this.
But our aims go far beyond this. We do not intend to balance
future budgets by increasing taxes. Instead, we intend to balance
them by making government more economical, by streamlining it. Like
this year, next year--and the years following--will be years where we
do not intend to spend one dollar more than necessary of the people's
(MORE)
-3-
money to conduct the people's business.
Let me digress for a moment. During the campaign, I became a
kind of Johnny-One-Note on the subject of government of, and by, the
people--of building what I called a Creative Society by turning to the
great power of the people instead of always creating additional bureau-
cracy. There did not seem to be much of a quarrel with this idea.
In fact, once or twice I had to talk pretty loudly when it looked as
if the opposition had claimed squatters rights on the idea and was
making more noise about it than I was. They even appointed a few
citizens' commission late in the campaign which, we hope, will surface
one of these days for re-fueling.
But some who listened and endorsed before November 8th were pretty
horrified to discover the campaign blossoms were bearing fruit. Some-
how they remind me of an incident which occurred early in World War II.
A shipload of canned fish was interned in an Italian port and,
when finally released for sale, the cargo brought $25,000. It was
then resold for $50,000 and, as the war years went on, that shipment
of canned fish kept changing hands until, finally, it brought $600,000.
The last purchaser opened a can and tried the fish. Enraged, he
got on the phone and demanded that something be done because the fish
was spoiled. And he was told by the man who sold it to him, "But that
fish isn't for eating; it's for selling!"
Well, our fish is for eating.
You would think that, when government can get things done without
adding to the burden of the taxpayers, everyone would be happy. Unfor-
tunately, that is not the case. Some reactionaries still think the
only way to get things done is to soak the taxpayer--that, somehow, it
isn't legal unless it's compulsory.
In pointing up the potential of a Creative Society during the
campaign, attention was called to the cooperation between certain
government agencies and private industry which resulted in 17,800 jobs
for unemployed from the Watts curfew area in a 16-month period. These
jobs were in private industry and two-thirds of them are still filled.
Of the other one-third, half moved on to better jobs. The man who
spearheaded this is Mr. H.C. McClollan and he is at work now setting
up a similar program on a statewide basin nt no expense to the tax-
(MORE)
-4-
payers. A Congressman from the area that benefitted most--motivated
either by partisanship or a philosophical refusal to approve of private
industry--has attacked this program on the basis that only government
jobs and tax money should help the unemployed.
We have, as you know, a task force of 150 industrial and business
executives the best and most successful in the state--who will be
working as full-time volunteers for the next several months. These
men are bringing their special knowledge, skill and experience to bear
on the structure of State government. They will go into every depart-
ment and agency of the State to see how efficiency can be improved and
costs cut. In short, they will tell us how we can bring modern business
practices to government agencies. This study, incidentally, will cost
the taxpayers only a few thousand dollars; the direct costs of it are
being underwritten by public-spirited members of business and industry.
Strangely enough, at least one metropolitan paper finds something
sinister in private citizens wanting to help out. The same paper can
editorialize itself into a state of euphoria about the civic duty of
citizens to contribute to Community Chest, an art museum or a music
center
but, if those same citizens want to help the government under
which they live, they must have ulterior motives. Of course that is
right, if a desire for better government can be termed an ulterior
motive.
The fish is for eating. We have called on our fellow citizens
to take time out from their own careers and business activities to man
the administrative posts of government. Nothing has ever made me so
proud as their response. No state government has ever recruited man-
power to match ours. We have found men to match our mountains.
Other citizens will soon be embarked on a total study of our tax
structure.
We have probably the mest beautiful capitol of any of the states
and soon we will have a new residence for California' governors in
keeping with our California heritage. This too will be provided by
the people voluntarily. A bipartisan group has formed a non-profit
corporation to build, in the city of Sacramento, a dwelling to be
donated to the State of Californin for use as an official residence
for the governors. Gifts of not more than $500 and not less than $1
-5..
will be solicited on a broad statowide basis. Yet, even this has been
distorted to appear as if is small band of so-called "fat cats" are
doing something undercover and not quite nice.
Fortunately, the members of CRA, like most of our private citizens,
do not follow this line of thinking. We have been brought together
by a belief that one of our problems is too much government and too
much compulsion
that we, as citizens, have a right to participate
in our government in ways other than just paying taxes, running for
office or seeking appointments.
But suddenly some, who apparently shared this concept prior to
November 8th, are opposed to the practice of that concept. Suddenly,
the concept of economy in government has also become wrong to some,
especially to some whose particular pet oxen have been gored by some
of the proposed economies.
Now our economies are not aimed at eliminating needed services or
programs. But they are aimed at trimming far and waste, at cutting
out the frills, at keeping government to the size where it remains
the servant, and does not become the master, of the people.
And they are aimed at reducing the tax burden on the people. You
have read some of the things we are doing, and have heard the outcry
of the wounded. $5 million has been saved by cutting down on out-of-
state travel by public servants who like to roam
$20 million a year
saved by cutting out unneeded workers in some of our institutions
where the number of patients has dwindled by 40% but where, until now,
there has been no reduction in the numbers of employees.
Other millions are being saved because we have been able to per-
suade our colleges and universities to face up to the fact that as
public institutions they have a public responsibility not to spend
beyond the public's means.
Now none of this should have surprised anyone, for just as we
promised to bring government back to the people, so did we also pro-
mise to bring frugality and thrift back to government.
But we also promised to do this without hurting the truly needy
and the truly deserving. That is why extra funds for the crippled
children's program were approved why money was left in the budget
for needed salary increases
why extra funds to help teachers who
-6-
retired on inadequate pensions and who have not had the raise needed
to combat inflation were provided why the State employment office
has been instructed to make special efforts to find jobs for those
State employees laid off through no fault of their own.
There were a few more promises, such as to take steps to cut
California's soaring crime rate. Well, an anti-crime legislative
package anstituted by this administration has already received prelim-
inary approval in the Legislature.
And something was said about eliminating government by hacks and
cronies and relatives--my only brother hasn't even asked for a job.
An issue discussed in the campaign was taking the appointment of
judges out of politics. While waiting for the Legislature to act in
this area, we have set up special screening committees composed of
representatives of the bar associations, the presiding judges of the
various judicial districts and lay representatives to insure that only
qualified attorneys are picked as judges. To date, we have selected
only the number one recommendation for each judgeship.
In addition to proposed legislation that will take away the
compulsory aspects of the school district unification law and other
laws that have foisted costly programs on school districts without
providing the funds for their financing, we have made a start toward
restoring the 50-50 State and local financing of schools.
We are also moving forward on our agriculture program and on pro-
grams aimed at improving the business climate and at conserving our
land, air, water and oceanographic resources.
Do not be fooled by the special interest propagandists. We will
maintain our redwood forests, but we will not give them to the
Federal government without getting something of equal value in return,
and we will not act in such a way as to endanger the economy of our
northwestern California counties.
We will make provision for maintaining our wilderness areas, but
we will not blindly set aside huge tracts so they cannot be used to
meet the recreational and industrial needs of our expanding population.
We will press ahead on our State water program, but we will also
cooperate in the frosh water program of the future--desalinization.
We will work to keep industry in California and to entice more
-7-
industry here, but WC will also work to diversify industry and to
build new industries in new fields such as those offered by the ocean,
so that California will not continue to be so heavily dependent on
defense and other government contracts.
We will work to make and keep California number one
not only
number one in terms of growth and economy, but also number one in
terms of the kind of government that best suits a free people--a
government oriented to their needs, but also a government oriented to
their rights and their responsibilities.
We will work also to make the state an effective bulwark between
the people and an ever-encroaching Federal government. That govern-
ment is best which remains closest to the people, but almost daily
the Goliath that is the Federal government moves to gather more power
unto itself and to minimize the functions of both the Congress and
the states.
In recent weeks, the Secretary of Labor has set discriminatory
minimum farm wages--$1.50 in California
as low as $1.00 elsewhere.
Yet, California farmers are expected to compete under this differen-
tial on the national market despite the additional high cost of
shipping produce from the West Coast.
Only two weeks ago, the President called the governors together
to tell them the Federal government wished to work more closely with
the states in distributing Federal monies and Federal programs.
This was obviously an attempt to minimize efforts in the Congress
to provide string-free money to the states. If Congress were to take
this action, only Congress could repeal it. But what the White House
gives, the White House can take away without regard to the Congress or
the states.
While Cabinet officials were maing promises to governors, lower
echelon officials were disclosing plans by the Federal government to
bypass Sacramento in setting up new job programs and the Interior
Department was going ahead with its efforts to make Imperial Valley
farmers adhere to the outmoded 160-acre limitation.
It is not enough for our Senators and our Representatives to seek
to pass legislation involving the several states, they must also work
to insure that logislation does not infringe on the rights of the
-8-
individual states and they must be wary lest they trade those rights
for the Federal dollar, which, after all, is merely what is left of
the citizen's dollar after it has been strained through the Washington
bureaucracy.
I have met with our Congressman, on both sides of the aisle; I
have talked with both our Senators. I have assured all of them that
the administration in Sacramento will work with them and cooperate
with them whereever the interests of the State are involved.
And I have urged them to guard carefully those interests against
the encroachments of the Federal government. There is little use in
saving our freedom at the local and State levels if we lose it on the
national level.
When we first suggested tuition for the University and College
systems, one of the University chancellors in a rash moment cried out
that he would not preside over the dissolution of a great University.
I join him in that. But at the same time I have no intention of pre-
siding over the dissolution of a great State. Our aim--yours and
mine and our party's--is, instead, to build an even greater State.
As I said earlier tonight, it is the volunteer Republican organi-
zations such as the CRA that have provided so many of the workers and
so much of the enthusiasm and support for our party in California.
All of us, including myself, have much to be grateful to you for.
We could not have won without you last November, nor will we know
victory in 1968 without your wholehearted and undivided support.
But do we want to be like the nostalgic old grad who lives in
the fading memory of one championship team, or do we look ahead and
anticipate successive new victories?
If we are going to live in the past--just remember, that past
includes bitter defeats between 1958 and 1964. We could not have won
with you if we had stooped to the intraparty warfare that character-
ized our years of defeat.
We have not won a war, or even complete victory in a battle. We
stopped our opponent's advance and halted our own retreat. We cannot
hold the present gains unless we move forward. Let me remind you: we
did not win control of the Assembly; we did not win control of the
Senate; we did not win the office of Attorney General even though we
had good candidatos and good organization.
The 11th Commandment kept our party unified; but we were, and
are still, a minority party. Thore is still much to be donc in party
building, in convincing independents and members of the opposing party
that the course we chart leads to fincal sanity, strong local govern-
ment and individual rights and responsibilities.
-9-
Maybe there once was a time when our two-party system was less
a difference in philosophy than a contest between partisans loyal to
the old school tie, but no more. Last November, millions of people
voted to change, or at least pause to review, the philosophy of the
party leadership now in power. They did not just decide to change
hats and join the other club for a while.
Fortunately for those millions of concerned citizens, we too had
paused to take inventory. We discovered we could no longer afford the
luxury of internal fighting, backbiting and throatcutting. We dis-
covered our philosophical difference with those presently in power
was greater than any grudge or split within our own ranks. We were
ready and in position to offer an alternative for those concerned
citizens who wanted to join with others, not to win a contest, but to
preserve a way of life.
We must keep the door open--offering our party as the only prac-
tical answer for those who, overall, are individualists. And because
this is the great common denominator--this dedication to the belief
in man's aspirations as an individual- we cannot offer them a narrow
sectarian party in which all must swear alliegance to prescribed
commandments.
Such a party can be highly disciplined, but it does not win
elections. This kind of party soon disappears in a blaze of glorious
defeat, and it never puts into practice its basic tenets, no matter
how noble they may be.
The Republican Party, both in this state and nationally, is a
broad party. There is room in our tent for many views; indeed, the
divergence of views is one of our strengths. Let no one, however,
interpret this to mean compromise of basic philosophy or that we will
be all things to all people for political expediency.
In our tent will be found those who believe that government was
created by "We, the People"; that government exists for the conven-
ience of the people and we can give to government no power we do not
possess as individuals; that the citizen does not earn to support
government, but supports government so that he may be free to earn;
that, because there can be no freedom without law and order, every
act of government must be approved if it makes freedom more secure
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and disapproved if it offers security instead of freedom.
Within our tent, there will be many arguments and divisions over
approach and method and even those we choose to implement our philo-
sophy. Seldom, if ever, will we raise a cheer signifying unanimous
approval of the decisions reached. But if our philosophy is to pre-
vail, we must at least pledge unified support of the ultimate deci-
sion. Unity does not require unanimity of thought.
And here is the challenge to you. It is the duty and responsibi-
lity of the volunteer Republican organizations, not to further divide,
but to lead the way to unity. It is not your duty, responsibility or
privilege to tear down, or attempt to destroy, others in the tent.
As duly chartered Republican organizations, we all can advance our
particular sectarianism or brand of candidates for the party to pass
on openly and freely in a primary election.
But, as volunteer organizations, we must always remain in a
position that will let us effectively support the candidates chosen
by the entire party in a primary. To do less is a disservice to the
party and, more importantly, to the cause in which we all believe.
Our 11th Commandment is perhaps more profound than we realize.
"Thou shall not speak ill of any Republican." To do so means we are
inhibited in the support we can give that Republican if he should
become the nominee of our party. Certainly our task is harder if we
must challenge and refute charges made by our opponents if those
charges were first uttered by us.
It is my belief that, as Governor, I should neither endorse a
primary candidate nor involve myself behind the scenes in primary
campaigning. To do so is a misuse of the office with which I have
been entrusted. When the primary is over, I believe I have a committ-
ment--a contract if you will- to wholeheartedly support every candi-
date chosen by the party.
You, on the other hand, as individuals and as an organization,
should be 50 involved. You, by your membership in a volunteer group,
have proven you are activists--leaders in furthering the philosophy
which brings us togother. You must, therefore, be leaders in setting
campaign standards--ready to endorse the party choice--just as ready
to repudiate any candidate 01 campaign which refuses to abide by
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those standards.
Fight as hard in the coming primary as you can for your candi-
dates, but be against only those we must defeat in November of 1968.
Let no opposition candidate quote your words in the general election
to advance statism or the philosophy of those who have lost confidence
in man's capacity for self-rule.
Just a year ago, we were a party almost totally without power.
The two-party system existed only in theory. Out of sheer necessity,
we achieved unity and victory. With that victory, we bought time--
time to rally our forces for what may be our last chance.
As a result of our victory, we started something in this State.
We are being watched
watched by those all across this land who
once again dare to believe that our concept of responsible, people-
oriented government can work as the founding fathers meant it to work.
If we prove that here, we can, as I have said before, start a prairie
fire that can sweep across this country.
But to start that fire, we must nurture the flame here at home
or it will flicker and die and those who come after us will find
only the ashes of lost hopes and dead dreams.
/RR/