Some CA politicians actually work with the other party instead of smearing it | Opinion

The Modesto Bee Editorial Board
·3 min read
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Is your legislator working for you — or for his or her party?

California voters may put politicians in office, but they only have to face voters every two or four years, while pressure from party forces is an everyday burden.

It’s refreshing to see one thoughtful group of legislators in Sacramento make a real effort to keep priorities straight. The California Problem Solvers Caucus deserves attention for seeking real-life solutions without caring who gets credit.

Opinion

The 21 members of the Problem Solvers Caucus — from both parties, and both sides of the legislative house — say they ignore the D or R behind each of their names when they meet every week or so to respectfully dine, discover and discuss, always looking for common ground instead of a fight.

“It’s where I can be my most authentic self,” said Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, a Jackson Democrat. “It’s just raw, honest work. That’s what I’m here for.”

Assemblyman Juan Alanis, a Modesto Republican, said, “Joining the Problem Solvers Caucus was an easy choice for me. I believe in getting the work done.”

Modeled on a group of the same name at the US Capitol and supported by a nonprofit foundation, the California Problem Solvers Caucus is rather exclusive, its members (12 Democrats, nine Republicans) reflecting less than 18% of the entire state Legislature. Members pledge not to actively work against each other’s bills, fostering trust.

That can lead to contention with party leadership focused on steering the conversation to either left or right, said former Democratic Assemblyman Adam Gray of Merced, while Problem Solvers steer the conversation to the center. Gray helped found the group two years ago with Chad Mayes, a Yucca Valley independent, and Jordan Cunningham, a San Luis Obispo Republican. All three left office late last year.

“Common ground is where the best policy gets made,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover, a Folsom Republican and caucus member. “We live in an era of hyperpartisanship, with everyone going to the fringes. I don’t think that’s what most Californians are looking for.”

Other members include Sen. Melissa Hurtado, whose district covers south San Joaquin Valley, and Sen. Roger Niello, representing part of Sacramento County.

Do the Problem Solvers actually solve problems?

Last year’s budget allocated $40 million, not yet spent, for floodplain restoration along the San Joaquin River west of Modesto. Facing a revenue shortfall this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom clawed back the money in his January budget plan.

But floodplains is a policy unicorn. All sides — Republican, Democrat, farmer, environmentalist, sport fisher — agree that letting river water spread out over uninhabited property and seep down into aquifers is a good thing. Floodplains take pressure off levies, reducing flood risks, replenishing groundwater and creating wildlife habitat.

Money is needed to buy property near rivers and revert it to marshland.

Big win for Problem Solvers Caucus

The Problem Solvers Caucus went to work on Newsom. It’s worth noting that caucus members from the coast and Southern California expected nothing for their areas, but got behind floodplains because they’re just plain good for California.

Soon, non-caucus legislators up and down the Golden State got behind it as well. “Things get done by building pressure,” Gray said, and Newsom in May changed his mind, restoring all $40 million.

“A huge win,” declared Lodi Republican Assemblyman Heath Flora, a caucus co-chairman.

Success like that “gets me energized and hopeful,” Alvarado-Gil said.

Look for the Problem Solvers Caucus to sponsor common-sense solutions for clean energy as California moves toward less reliance on carbon fuels, Flora said.

Each effort to minimize in-your-face, win-at-all-costs politics in favor of cooperation and respect deserves broad support. It may be less vocal than either fringe, but the political middle is where most people are.