Governor Asks Supporters’ Help on 4 Measures

Gov. George Deukmejian, campaigning in Northern California, appealed to his supporters Monday to help him win approval of some of his top priorities before the Legislature adjourns next week.

Deukmejian, facing the prospect of defeat on at least four issues important to him as he runs for reelection this fall, made a direct appeal for help at a Eureka Rotary Club luncheon, which was unusual for him.

In his speech, the Republican governor noted that lawmakers have stalled his proposal to put on the Nov. 4 ballot a $150-million bond measure for the cleanup of toxic wastes.

“I hope they will act on this proposal very soon, and I would urge that you contact your assemblyman to urge that he also support this legislation,” the governor said.

Rural Aid

Similarly, Deukmejian asked for help in winning approval of his rural aid program, his proposal that the state assume the cost of running the courts and for a plan to use $300 million in state retirees’ pension funds to help balance the budget.

Promoting his $37-million proposal to help ailing rural counties, Deukmejian told the Rotarians, “I hope you will join me in sending a very clear message to the Legislature: Don’t leave the state Capitol until you pass the rural renaissance.”

Although polls show him leading, Deukmejian’s appeal for help signals that he is still trying to strengthen his record as he heads into the final stretch of his campaign for reelection against Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley.

Continually at odds with the Democrat-controlled Legislature during his first 3 1/2 years as governor, Deukmejian has few major legislative accomplishments he can point to.

During his one-day campaign swing to Eureka and Crescent City, he frequently criticized the Legislature for thwarting his initiatives. At a campaign reception in Crescent City, the governor lashed out at Democratic lawmakers for blocking his efforts to create a new department to handle hazardous waste cleanup and for stalling his toxics bond measure proposal.

‘Played Politics’

“They’ve played politics with this issue for the last couple of years, “ he told reporters. “If they would just put politics aside and act in the best interests of people, we could get a lot more accomplished on that subject.”

Earlier in the day, Deukmejian told reporters he would not reconsider his veto of a bill that would have protected AIDS victims from employment and housing discrimination. He said, however, that he would “look favorably” on two measures pending in the Legislature that would help California companies in their quest to develop a vaccine for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Aug. 29 until after the election.