A Good Start for the New Speaker

Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks) set the right tone in his inaugural as speaker of the state Assembly last week when he promised to step up the body’s oversight of the executive branch in “implementing our vision of the laws that we write.” This prompted hearty applause and even a grin from Gov. Gray Davis. It was a nifty turnabout on Davis, who stirred considerable anger among lawmakers last year when he said, imperiously, that the Legislature’s job was to implement his vision.

Some have wondered whether Hertzberg might be too eager to work Davis’ will in the Assembly. His inaugural pledge, however, seems to signal that he intends to be a strong, independent leader of the 80-member house--albeit with a healthy dose of humor.

Hertzberg, 45, was correct in saying the voters elected Assembly members to act on California’s problems rather than waste time in partisan bickering. “They want us to park our egos at the door and get things done,” he said. That may be difficult for some, but it’s what the people deserve.

The new speaker is fortunate in succeeding Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), who managed to restore a large measure of civility to the chamber during his 15-month term as leader of the lower house. Villaraigosa stepped down to devote more time to his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles.

Hertzberg is a jovial man with the habit of hugging his colleagues. The test of his speakership, however, will not be his embraces but his ability to be tough in the trenches.