Governor vows to support ag

Ali Bay
California Staff Writer

Capital Press Weekly Ag Newspaper

December 9, 2005

MONTEREY – In a short message to California Farm Bureau Federation delegates on Tuesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to help protect farmers and ranchers.

Making a guest appearance at the Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Monterey, the governor said he understands the importance of agriculture.

“It is so important for us in Sacramento to do everything we can to support you,” he said, adding that he knows government regulations can make it difficult for farmers and ranchers to operate freely.

“You cannot, like other businesses, pick up and move to another state,” he said.

Although bouncing back from a major loss in the Nov. 8 special election – in which he championed four failed ballot initiatives – Schwarzenegger told the large crowd at the Monterey Convention Center that Californians need to be bold, courageous and ambitious to rebuild the state.

“If we don’t act boldly now, how can we meet the challenges of tomorrow?” he asked.

Some conservative critics have said the governor has, in fact, been acting a little too boldly lately.

On Nov. 30, Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Susan Kennedy, who served as deputy chief of staff for former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis, as his new chief of staff.

Outgoing Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli said he believes Kennedy will be an asset to the Schwarzenegger administration, although not all Farm Bureau members have agreed with her appointment.

“She is an articulate, knowledgeable individual,” said Pauli, adding that her experience on the California Public Utilities Commission could prove helpful as the governor considers a major infrastructure bond next year.

“I think (Kennedy) can help the governor bring people together,” Pauli said.

Pauli said he was pleased with the governor’s short, but “key,” message to delegates.

“This wasn’t designed as a long address,” he told reporters following Schwarzenegger’s speech. “He hit those points that are important. He hit energy. He hit water. He hit regulations. Those are the things that are important to our members.”

The governor also took the opportunity to talk about his recent trade missions to China and Japan, which could benefit the agricultural sector.

Schwarzenegger’s international presence creates excitement and gives trade a “shot in the arm,” said Pauli, who is happy to work with a governor who’s interested in promoting California abroad.

“He understands that a third of everything we grow is exported,” Pauli said. “Ninety-six percent of all consumers live off-shore, so trade is particularly important to us, especially in California where we have so many specialty crops.”

Ali Bay is based in Davis. Her e-mail address is abay@capitalpress.com.