Davis for Controller

The election for state controller, California’s chief fiscal officer, matches two experienced major party candidates with a clear difference in style and philosophy. Republican State Sen. William Campbell too often has reflected the cozy old school of politics of getting along by going along, and of representing special business interests when they desire a break from their lawmakers. Democratic State Assemblyman Gray Davis was the chief of staff to former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., and, as such, helped pinch pennies and put the governor in a blue Plymouth rather than a limousine.

As the watchdog of the state’s $40-billion annual budget and an investor of $55 billion in state pension trust funds, The Times favors the penny-pinching approach and endorses Gray Davis for this vital state post.

Experience is important. Campbell’s 16-year legislative record has many strong points. But there are some troubling blemishes, including his sponsorship of legislation in behalf of fireworks magnate W. Patrick Moriarty, since convicted of political corruption charges, and of a bill to exempt raw-milk producers from state health regulations. Campbell, 51, of Hacienda Heights, exercised poor judgment in loaning $110,000 in election campaign funds to a company headed by his campaign committee treasurer. Also, his state Senate office expenses in recent years have far exceeded all or most of his colleagues’, as has his record of missing Senate votes.

Davis, 43, of Sherman Oaks, comes across as somewhat aloof, and, in the jargon of politicos, as squeaky-clean and a straight-arrow. In Sacramento’s back rooms, that is not meant as a compliment. But it should be reassuring that such a person is auditing state accounts, sitting on critical tax administration boards, helping invest the state’s money and watching over the coastal environment as a member of the Lands Commission.

In two terms in the Assembly, Davis has sponsored legislation to benefit both the California environment and the economy, including important bills to establish standards for asbestos exposure in the schools and the workplace. Davis has demonstrated that he is an independent officeholder and is no clone of Jerry Brown. His experience and standards should serve the state well in the controller’s office.