Governor Will Not Replace Reiner at State Commission
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday said he would not replace film director Rob Reiner as director of the First 5 California Children and Families Commission, which administers proceeds of a state tax to fund children's health care and education programs, the Sacramento Bee reports (Mecoy, Sacramento Bee, 3/22). Critics allege that the commission improperly funded a campaign to promote a universal preschool ballot measure supported by Reiner.
In a March 1 letter to Schwarzenegger, the 14 Republican state senators called for Reiner's replacement as chair of the commission. Reiner's term as chair has expired, but he will continue to serve unless Schwarzenegger appoints a replacement.
Recently, Reiner took leave as chair of the commission to campaign for Proposition 82, the universal preschool measure.
The commission is being audited to determine whether it inappropriately funded the ads (California Healthline, 3/15).
Schwarzenegger told the Fresno Bee editorial board that he would support Reiner until there is evidence of wrongdoing (Ellis, Fresno Bee, 3/22).
NPR's "Morning Edition" on Wednesday reported on criticism of Reiner's campaign activity. The segment includes comments from:
- Sen. Dave Cox (R-Roseville);
- Senate Pro Tempore Don Perata (D-Oakland);
- Reiner; and
- Darry Sragow, a political consultant and Democratic strategist (Jaffe, "Morning Edition," NPR, 3/22).
The complete segment is available online in RealPlayer.
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