Might be harder than it looks

Re “Toss me a plum post too, governor,” Column, Jan. 25

About 2,000 Californians serve currently on more than 300 state boards and commissions, and only six of them are former legislators.

Steve Lopez says the Gambling Control Commission, or GCC, would be his preferred position because it would not be hard for him to “find the time for twice-monthly meetings ... [and] even a full-time job, if I were feeling particularly motivated.”

Contrary to what Lopez believes, were he appointed to the GCC, in particular, he would first have to quit his job at The Times. He would also have to withdraw from any other paid endeavor.

As a scrupulous commissioner, he would have to prepare for each bimonthly meeting by reviewing hundreds of pages. From time to time, he would sit on a subcommittee charged with investigating the gaming industry or recommending some regulations for the GCC’s consideration.

While juggling those duties, he would have to find time to meet with members of the general public and stakeholders in the gaming industry.

Furthermore, he would be expected to stay abreast of trends in gaming.

It should also be noted that as a commissioner, Lopez would regulate an industry that is about the same size as Nevada’s, but with a support staff that is about one-quarter the size.

Every full-time paid appointee has similar time demands and weighty responsibilities.

John G. Cruz

Sacramento

The writer is appointments secretary for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Seldom has a columnist picked apart the enigmatic logic in the governor’s rationale for giving away state jobs as pointedly and hilariously as Lopez has.

Relying on the premise that Lopez correctly quoted Kathay Feng of California Common Cause that “the people appointed to these positions do not reflect any particular expertise in the commission’s purpose,” I am submitting my name for our governor’s consideration alongside Lopez’s because (forgive me, Steve, for using your line) I too am perfect for the job -- whatever it is.

Thanks for a great piece, Steve, and don’t go to Sacramento!

Richard A. Finn

Newport Beach