On January 5, 2005 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gave his second State of the State address here in California in which he dropped some serious explosive issues into the laps of legislatures. He touched on budget restrictions, education reform, public pension reform and the bombshell issue of redistricting that is sure to piss off a lot of people in this blue state.

San Jose Mercury News

"The elephant in the room is a budget system that has removed our ability to make the best decisions for California," the governor said. "The truth is that we cannot fix the budget deficit without first fixing the budget system."

... districts should be redrawn to "make elections democratic once again." In November, not one of the state's 153 legislative or congressional seats changed party hands.

Schwarzenegger suggested the districts, approved four years ago by the Legislature, be set by an independent panel of retired judges.

The governor said he would seek to broadly reorganize and streamline state government. He wants to wipe out 100 boards and commissions and more than 1,000 politically appointed positions.

"A year ago, I told you I wanted to blow up the boxes," the governor said. "Well, we have lit the fuse."

I'm going to sit back and watch the explosion with a glint of excitement in my eye.

Tipped by: Shaking Spears who has more to say on the speech and issues and some commenters.