Gavin Newsom-Abel Maldonado debate: Government reform

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The candidates for California lieutenant governor were asked about structural reforms to state government.

Republican Abel Maldonado said he opposed the concept of a majority-vote budget.

‘I’ve been there, I’ve watched what happened,’ he said.

Maldonado said changing the way legislative districts are drawn and the new primary election laws adopted by voters in June would help ease partisanship in California.

‘I’m embarrassed for the Legislature,’ he said of the budget stalemate in Sacramento.

Democrat Gavin Newsom said he would support a majority-vote budget, which will be before voters with Proposition 25 in November.

He said it would help curb ‘all the back-room deals’ that mark Sacramento budget talks now.

Newsom said he also would like to see more control revert to cities and counties.

-- Anthony York