All too often, political donors enable poor governance by not engaging in due diligence. Eg, in 2022 an entertainment industry executive spent $1.85 million to help Karen Bass defeat Rick Caruso in the contest for mayor of Los Angeles. Do you think he exercised due diligence before making that choice? That doesn’t seem likely to me. Mayors run executive branches of local governments, the principal responsibility of which is to deliver high quality public services. Before she became mayor, Ms. Bass had no experience as an executive. That’s not always fatal but it should raise a red flag and encourage a thorough evaluation if for no other reason than the consequences will fall on millions of people.
Even more millions are affected by decisions donors make about elections for statewide offices. That’s why GFC’s top priority is to help elect a competent governor who will govern in the public interest. He or she will inherit a state that has suffered a steep decline in competence since the current governor took office. The election takes place in 21 months, many candidates have announced, more will do so, and there is plenty of time for due diligence. The consequences for 40 million residents, including more than five million public school students, will be enormous. We hope you will wait for our recommendation.
