Solution to one Prop. 71 flaw

Re “Stem cell housecleaning,” editorial, Dec. 12

Your editorial appropriately highlights fundamental flaws of Proposition 71, the initiative that created the state’s $3-billion stem cell research agency. Its governing board is stacked with representatives of the very institutions seeking to maximize their share of the public funding pie -- an inherent conflict of interest. The latest scandal, in which a board member tried to influence a grant to his home institution, is just a symptom of the structural flaws that were built into the program. It’s time for the Legislature to step in and reform it.

But that’s just part of the problem. Board chair and Proposition 71 author Robert Klein has consistently worked against accountability and transparency. He has misled the public and has been dismissive of the Legislature. Through activities such as heading up his own private stem cell research lobbying group while continuing his role as board chair, he’s crossed the line of appropriate behavior for a public servant. He’s had three years to demonstrate otherwise. It’s time for him to go.

Jesse Reynolds

Oakland

The writer is director of the Project on Biotechnology in the Public Interest at the Center for Genetics and Society.