|
|
| Gov. defends prison reform |
| By KCBS News |
| Published: 07/05/2006 |
|
SACRAMENTO, CA - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says his sudden embrace of prison reform has nothing to do with trying to win the support of the prison officers' powerful union. When the governor first took office, he made prison reform a priority but he quickly alienated the Corrections Officer's Association. But in recent months he has buddied up to the organization and after announcing plans to build two new prisons and hire thousands of new officers, the governor had to deny that he is doing the union's bidding or bowing to his new Chief of Staff, Susan Kennedy, a Democrat. "I call the shots, it's that simple," said the governor. He says he was criticized for antagonizing the union and now he's getting heat for including it. Now as he tried to mend fences, Schwarzenegger is befriending some former political enemies. "We are all working together because this is going to be an inclusive year. I decided that last year, people felt it was not inclusive enough and we learned from that so this time we are going to bring everyone to the table and make everyone work together. Democrats, Republicans, unions and businesses and everyone and it has worked really well. Look at the kind of things we have already accomplished so I am looking forward to more," he said. The officers have millions of dollars to spend on campaign either for Schwarzenegger or Democrat Phil Angelides if they decided to endorse one of them. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think