New Directions for California

California’s economy, with all its great diversity, affords us a real opportunity to reverse the trends. Our new agenda must revamp state policy in a number of critical areas. As chairman of the California Chamber of Commerce, I propose the following:

Reapportionment--The new districts must strengthen democracy by genuinely reflecting the wishes of the voters, not by providing safe havens for entrenched politicians.

Education--The school system needs a major overhaul. Parents, principals, teachers and school site administrators need more autonomy in the decision-making process and they must be accountable for their actions. Technology should be integrated more fully into the classroom.

Worker’s compensation--We need to curtail stress claims, doctor shopping and excess litigation and apply a portion of the savings to increased benefits.

Taxes--We must operate our government more efficiently and hold down the tax burden for business.

International trade--We must build upon our strength as the premier trading partner with nations of the Pacific Rim while seeking new opportunities in Europe, Latin America and, particularly, with Canada and Mexico.

Environmental regulations--We must streamline regulations to avoid duplications and high costs for employers.

Water--California’s economic growth is threatened unless we develop a sound statewide water policy.

Transportation--We must proceed with the constructions and maintenance projects that are on the shelf to alleviate congestion.

Crime--Businesses and citizens should form partnerships statewide to ensure we have police and sheriff’s departments that are strong, viable organizations.

Economic development--California needs an aggressive economic development effort so that business can market the state to out-of-state and out-of-country investors.

WILLARD Z. CARR JR., Chairman of the Board, California Chamber of Commerce