Robbins, Not the System, at Fault
As a second-term assemblyman in Sacramento, I was extremely disturbed by the comments made by former Sen. Alan Robbins in the article, “Robbins Urges Cleanup of California Politics.” Robbins refers to a “money-tarnished system that left him forever branded an ex-felon.” This is absurd. Robbins “branded” himself a felon. He broke the law. No one told him to take the money.
As noted in the article’s closing quote: “If I had greater resolve, I would not have violated the law.” Resolve is the key word. All businesses, schools and professions are subject to corruption, yet not all employees succumb to the temptations that present themselves, just as not all legislators buy into the practice that “money talks.”
Reforms have taken place making representatives more accountable to their constituents and their positions in Sacramento. With the introduction of term limits, we have moved away from career politicians and introduced a whole new wave of citizen legislators committed to their communities.
Furthermore, Robbins exclaims: “I’m the only person who was part of that process who can speak with total honesty and candor.” I strongly disagree. I, too, can speak honestly and with candor regarding business in the Capitol.
NAO TAKASUGI
Oxnard
Nao Takasugi represents the 37th Assembly District.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
