League of California Cities Denounces Cynical Attempt to Recall Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The proposed signature gathering effort to recall Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with strong opposition today from the League of California Cities. The League's leadership denounced the proposal and commended the Governor for his steadfast leadership and vision.

"The recall proposal is reckless and irresponsible," said League President Jim Madaffer, San Diego Council president pro tem. "From the day he was elected, Arnold Schwarzenegger has worked to offer real solutions to the fiscal and other challenges facing California. Threatening a recall in the midst of the budget impasse will simply extend the gridlock he is working to end."

League Second Vice President Judith Mitchell, Rolling Hills Estates council member, expressed frustration that the Governor has been targeted, especially at a time when the focus should be on crafting a balanced budget that doesn't rely on borrowing local government or transportation revenues.

"We don't agree with the Governor on everything, but we do know he has provided excellent leadership to California on infrastructure, climate change, budget reform and local government finance. It is outrageous to blame him for the current budget crisis when there is enough blame to go around for everyone," said Mitchell.

In 2004, the League awarded the Governor with its "Champion of Local Democracy" award for his leadership in brokering legislative support of the Proposition 1A package. The measure, approved by 84 percent of voters that November, protected local government revenues. Then-League President and Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge remarked while presenting the award: "No governor in recent memory has shown such sensitivity to the importance of local services as Governor Schwarzenegger. From the day he was elected he seemed to understand that people value local services and they treasure their access to government at the local level."

Earlier this year, the League recognized the Governor with its first "Sustainable Community Leadership" award. The new award honors California leaders who advance a broad vision and agenda of community sustainability for California and its cities. Commenting on the Governor's leadership on sustainability, League Immediate Past President and Novato Mayor Pat Eklund said: "The Governor not only cares about global warming, renewable resources and air quality, but he understands the broader concept of 'sustainability' and how it is connected to the practical challenges of making our communities work."

Chris McKenzie, League executive director, observed: "We have never had to explain to this Governor why safe communities require both strong law enforcement and quality park services or why maintaining infrastructure is critical to the economic growth of California. Gov. Schwarzenegger gets it and knows that you can't have a strong state without strong communities. The voters of California are sick and tired of distractions like this cynical recall attempt, and they want state leaders to lead -- exactly what the Governor is doing."

Founded in 1898, the League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. The League's mission is to restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.