For a Turnaround in 1994, the Key Word Is <i> Cooperation</i> : Some advice to our leaders on getting the California engine chugging again

New Year’s Day is a time for review and resolution. But Californians emerge from 1993 with little to cheer. It was a tough year, marred by a continuing recession, deadly violence--primarily caused by guns--in both cities and suburbs, no relief from state and local budget woes, and raging brush fires.

That is not to say there was no progress on longstanding problems. A year ago, we encouraged the Legislature to set aside partisan politics to get some work done in 1993. It did complete the state budget on time for a change. And the state’s deficit didn’t worsen in 1993. Sacramento finally managed as well to enact reforms of the state’s dysfunctional workers’ compensation system. Gov. Pete Wilson and Speaker Willie Brown cooperated more, even if they succumbed to undue partisanship when it came to filling the important post of state schools superintendent.

This year promises new and equally difficult challenges for our state and local leaders and for each of us. Economic recovery still eludes California even as the rest of the nation appears slowly headed out of the recession. Local governments continue to grapple with diminishing resources and escalating needs. The unrelenting pressures will force all to work harder, smarter and, most of all, together. To that end, we suggest the following resolutions for people and groups likely to be key players in 1994.

For Mayor Richard Riordan: You showed laudable backbone in the airport landing-fee battle and are off to a good start with the City Council. Now keep pushing to make the streets safe again and to bring new jobs and more affordable housing to the city. And put some resources into luring back tourists and conventions scared away by the 1992 riots.

For LAPD Chief Willie L. Williams: The 54 new officers to be hired with a $4-million infusion of federal funds announced two weeks ago by President Clinton will help. But the LAPD is still far, far short of the money and resources needed to put enough officers on the street to expand community policing. But don’t be discouraged. Get the mayor and council to help you in another effort to encourage city voters to approve bonds to build up the LAPD.

For RLA: Keep at it. RLA, formerly known as Rebuild L.A., got off to an uneven start, but it has become a significant public-private partnership to revitalize a city racked by riots. With virtually no government help, it has already helped to bring new markets and other businesses, job training and important alternative financing into South-Central Los Angeles. A major change in leadership has been promised. Name that new chairperson as soon as possible.

For the L.A. School Board and United Teachers-Los Angeles: The recent defeat of the school voucher initiative should not mean you can rest on your laurels. School reform, such as the charter schools experiment and LEARN, must continue apace. And schools must be made safer because no learning can occur where students and teachers fear for their lives. Confidence in the system still lags.

For partisans in Orange County’s El Toro Marine Corps Air Station debate: Put aside your preconceived ideas about the future of the base and work in harmony to develop a plan that truly will benefit the region.

For the city of Anaheim: Try to keep the Rams football team in Southern California.

For Gov. Wilson and potential rivals for his job like State Treasurer Kathleen Brown and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi: We may be guilty of naivete but please conduct a civil and positive campaign this year. Cool the negative and bombastic political rhetoric. Avoid demagoguery on complex and volatile issues such as crime and immigration.

For the Legislature: Being a legislator is a killer of a job because it is really two jobs: lawmaker and fund-raiser. But you can make it easier and restore public confidence in state government at a stroke if you pass AB 1993. This campaign finance reform bill would not do everything but it would do enough to make a big difference. Also, a major bipartisan effort on crime, including tough new limits on the private possession of handguns, is a must.

For our Washington delegation--Stay united when it comes to promoting California’s interests in Congress. We still need more federal aid to help pay for all the immigrants we have absorbed. And as universal health care and welfare reform come before Congress, a big state like ours is sure to feel the impact of the President’s proposed reforms in a big way.