Assembly Approves Firestone Measure
The Assembly passed a resolution Thursday by Assemblyman Brooks Firestone (R-Los Olivos) to require the Legislature’s lower house to undergo a performance audit similar to the rest of state government.
Firestone’s measure, which was initially greeted skeptically by Democrats, ended up gaining widespread bipartisan support. Even Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco), whose longtime reign of the Assembly is criticized by Republicans, joined those in backing the resolution.
“I’m very excited,” said Firestone, who represents parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. “Mr. Brown voted for it. A lot of good guys voted for it. This house will never be the same again.”
The resolution, which attracted 44 co-authors before it hit the floor for a vote Thursday, passed on a 56-5 vote.
The resolution requires the Assembly to examine the efficiency of its operation and whether its assets or expenditures are being properly used.
Firestone spearheaded the drive, he said, because he wanted to make the Assembly more accountable to the public. He said he was unaware of any specific abuses of taxpayer funds.
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