State needs a major overhaul

Re “The time is now for wholesale change,” column, April 10

George Skelton’s column should be sent to every member of the Legislature and be required reading in all U.S. history and government classes. I have lived in five states and in California for 22 years. This state is nuts. From term limits to gerrymandered districts to the initiative process and annual budget fiasco, California is in need of a major overhaul.

Mary Anne Vincent

Corona

The writer has taught history, government and political science.

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I agree with almost all of Skelton’s prescriptions for California. However, the open primary is a bad idea. I remember many years ago when we had cross filing, which is pretty much the same thing. Republicans could appear on Democratic primary ballots and vice versa. Too often, those Republicans were elected by both parties, precluding a general election partisan runoff. I cannot imagine having to pick one of two Republicans rather than being able to vote for my party. It can completely disenfranchise one party. The nonpartisan system is fine for municipalities and counties but not for the state.

Julie May

Los Angeles