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Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen voices disappointment with state

Olsen fields questions with community members last week in Ahwahnee

Carmen George

(Updated: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 12:00 AM)

Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, representative for the 25th state assembly district, stressed big changes need to be made in the way state government functions June 16 in Ahwahnee.

"I'm so fed up with the function of the state legislature," said Olsen about why she ran for office last year. "I think the legislature serves itself more than it works for us."

Addressing about 50 people at District 5 County Supervisor Tom Wheeler's town hall meeting, Olsen said she believes in citizen-driven government, with top priorities job creation, increasing local control, and providing more support for education and public safety. California also needs to change the way it does business, she said.

"We have to get back to being wise with tax payer dollars," Olsen said.

California has been spending more money than it has for too long, Olsen said, and needs to change its habits. She said she was "very disappointed" with the state budget presented last week, and glad to see it vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Olsen stressed the importance of bipartisan efforts to reach across the aisle to get things moving.

In the assembly, Olsen has been appointed to serve as a member of the Assembly Insurance, Agriculture and Water, Parks & Wildlife committees and the Joint Sunset Review committee, and is the vice chair of the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media committee.

Before election, Olsen served on the Modesto City Council and as the assistant vice president for Communications & Public Affairs at California State University, Stanislaus.

Her district covers six counties, including the communities of Angels Camp, Chowchilla, Hughson, Mammoth Lakes, Mariposa, Modesto, Oakdale, Oakhurst, Riverbank and Sonora.

During the question and answer period, Olsen addressed many topics, a large number centered upon deregulation.

"California regulatory climate is excessive," said Olsen, adding it's wrecking havoc on jobs.

To remedy that, she's working on a Sunset Review program that reviews state agency boards and commissions. In response to a question, Olsen said she would also support such a review on corporate subsidies and credits.

"Agencies operate as gods without any checks and balances," said Olsen, adding that they have become too self-serving, instead of serving others.

Texas has 150 state agencies and commissions -- California has 550, she said.

Many businesses have left the state because it's become too expensive to operate in California, she said. She's working on a manufacturing sales tax bill that would grant exemptions to many big companies, like automotive makers, to provide incentive to do business in-state again.

Regarding the state budget, many cuts still need to be made, although Olsen is against more to education or public safety.

"The needs must be fulfilled over the wants," Olsen said.

With foreclosures at record highs and California unemployment at 15% instead of the 4% national average, raising taxes to fix the deficit shouldn't be considered, she said.

"This would be the worst time to raise taxes for hardworking Americans," Olsen said.

The people can no longer continue to bail out the state; it's time to show some "tough love," she said. California needs to start living within its means, Olsen said.

The state has cut less than 1% of its employees, while counties like Madera have cut 40%, she said.

"When are we going to start leading by example?" Olsen said.The state is taking more steps recently to reduce their employees, like cutting from corrections, but many cuts may only become a burden dumped on local citizens, she said.

The state needs to learn how to spend less, Olsen said, citing examples of how counties often get projects completed for half the cost of something built by the state.

Olsen said she would work against state subsidies for heavily subsidized transportation projects, such as a proposed bus line running from Fresno to Yosemite and high speed rail in the Valley.

The borders also need to be secured, she said.

Immigration reform, including cutting-off incentives to come to America and establishing a guest worker program, should be implemented, Olsen said.

In regards to a question about adopting a unicameral government, what only few states have, Olsen said she would support a single chamber structure.

With upcoming redistricting, Olsen will likely lose Mono and Madera counties, but added that "if we're smart, it's not about any one member."

"The important thing is getting more Republican seats in the Assembly and Senate so we can get California back on track," she said. "I'm working the hardest I can to do that."

Madera County update

Wheeler said the county now has a $5.3 million deficit compared to the previous $12.3 million.

"We're doing a great job with less money," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said the county has cut its employees by 40%, with the total number of employees likely dropping below 1,000 within the coming months.

Layoffs approved in March included one senior librarian, one animal services supervisory position and the elimination of two vacant animal services positions, with most cuts in the Resource Management Agency -- 25 layoffs and the elimination of seven vacant seats. Environmental Health was also realigned with Public Health and a General Services division was created.

To continue to close the deficit, the county contracted with consulting firm MGT of America in December to find ways to save money by operating more efficiently. The study was presented to the county board of supervisors last week, with a more thorough review at their Tuesday meeting.

Wheeler said the county could save $8 million a year if they made all suggested cuts, but that will not likely happen. At a later date, County Chief Administrative Officer Eric Fleming said he is hopeful at least half of the MGT recommendations will be implemented.

Wheeler said the county is also working to cap employees' vacations and time-off, getting employees to pay for their own health insurance and continuing furloughs.

A proposal to reduce road impact fees was presented by Wheeler at the supervisors meeting Tuesday. A public hearing regarding redistricting was also held. According to the latest census, Wheeler's district needs to grow by 7,000 people, what will likely include Yosemite Lakes Park and Raymond, he said. Results from Tuesday's meeting were not available at press time.