Brown was the voice of experience who returned the state to prosperity and common sense government after the Schwarzenegger disaster. The USA will hopefully follow our example after 4 years of Trump and elect an experienced adult that can unite us and inspire confidence throughout the world that we have regained our senses and are following the principles upon which this country was founded.
9
He's roughly Trump's age. How about a presidential run, Jerry? Your country needs you.
22
We'll miss him. A lot.
28
But the lesson in forest management from Smokey the president must have been useful. Amazing self control, governor!
14
Well at least Gov. Brown can afford to retire in California.
I sure can't.
3
He should run for president.
17
Governor Brown,
Please reaming active in the causes that you have selected to focus on, we need your common sense in a time when there doesn't seem to be that much of it around.
10
Don’t stop talking about today or tomorrow, Gov.
12
Hopefully Jerry will turn his ranch into a hippie commune and let his hair grow out this time.
3
This is a another example of why I find politicians so pathetic, even relatively thoughtful and progressive ones.
The ego is just so out-of-control. Get a grip, Jerry. Didn't you at one time study Buddhism?
But I guess it's another sign-of-the-times. The 'me, me, me' generation ... no, culture.
2
All Californians have been blessed to have a person like Governor Brown in office, not once but twice. In this day and age, when Republican politicans are a bit wacky, self-focused, and geared to making the rich richer, Brown is a breath of fresh air. Even now at the end of his term, he is wise man among too many idiots and synchophants in elected office, highlighted by Trump.
The future problems facing California are enormous, ranging from an antiquated road system and infrastructure crisis to the overpopulation issue. I had the pleasure of lving and working in the Bay area for 20 years during the 60's through 80's. Now, I cringe anytime I have to drive south of Davis on Hiwy 5.
Unfortunately, it seems that frustrated Californians are moving to Oregon. Fortunately, I arrived here in 1983. It was the right move for me and I love this state, the outdoors, and the people. The two main problems that we all face are: global warming and overpopulation. Oregon is becoming Californicated rapidly with just too many people moving to Portland to Salem to Eugene. C'est la vie! Of course, there always is ... the State of Jefferson.
60
I think the two areas mentioned that he's apparently going to be focusing on in his "retirement" - global warming and nuclear disarmament - desperately need his talent and enthusiasm. I would also mention a wonderful agency - the Peace Corps - (I've spent two tours in it) which has been languishing because of lack of enthusiastic leadership in recent years. In fact all three of the above have been in need of new eyes and brains for quite a while now.
Good luck in your "golden years".
22
I love you Jerry Brown, you are an inspiration and the best political role model I have ever seen. A person for the times, one of the best in my lifetime.
Run for President, please.
19
Mr Brown, I met you once in front of my house in Oakland. You were on your way to a community meeting, alone. I have always admired your values and greatly appreciate all the hard work you have taken on in your prolific public career. Go do more good. Certainly I am not alone In thanking you for all your many years of public service. You are cherished, loved and greatly respected.
Gracias.
33
He’s done a great job; a steady hand. All of the non-Californians and their “Moonbeam” jibes don’t understand the man or the state that he has served so well. Gov. Brown, like California and its vast economy, is on another level.
22
Didn't Konrad Adenauer serve as German Chancellor into his 80s and 90s? It is sobering at this moment of the most destructive moral filth ever in Washington to realize that this man could still serve as a brilliant U.S. President. Don't rule it our, Mr. Brown. There are times when a country needs a serious and profound statesman.
20
What is truly sad is how little Brown is known outside of California. He has gotten hardly any national media attention, for one thing, and still suffers from the sobriquet "Governor Moonbeam," meaning that he is a naive flake when, as this article demonstrates, he had -- and should continue to have -- tremendous influence because of his devotion to public service.
California is for all intents and purposes a nation, albeit one without a military (although with plenty of military bases in the state). Brown has governed this rambunctious nation with style and substance, and laid out a blueprint of effective governance.
Jerry Brown, in so many ways that really count, is the glorious antithesis of President Bone Spurs.
142
Back then, the Moonbeam moniker was intended to be derogatory but I ignored those name callers. Instead, i always took it as meaning he was a visionary. Because many couldn’t “see” what he saw—what they couldn’t understand—they called him crazy and flakey. I voted for him for president then. No one is laughing at him now.
37
Jerry Brown and Jimmy Carter - both represent the best of America. I hope they will continue to speak out - I'll be listening.
27
I could never forget Governor Brown's two separate administrations as exercises in pursuing policies based upon facts. This is the necessary example of education, put to good use. It redeems the mind, and protects the Earth. Now it's become what we expect of California.
24
Will Jerry Brown take my calls, too? I'd like his advice on a lot of topics. Thanks for a sweetly kind piece on a man who has always been there throughout my own politically aware life. It's hard to imagine any news coming from California without Jerry Brown mentioned somewhere in the story, but I'll have to get used to that.
14
I have admired Jerry Brown as a public servant since I lived in California and he was governor the first time. He was an environmentalist and progressive way ahead of his time.
"he arrived eight years ago to a $26 billion deficit, and is leaving a $14 billion surplus". That is how you make California and America Great Again!
16
I have admired Gov. Jerry Brown for his leadership, ideas, and hugely irreverent wit and humor. Governing one of the world's larger, and wilier, economies through times in which the national fiscal rollercoaster has threatened to undo his state (and many cities, other states, and individuals), Mr. Brown somehow managed to make it all work. It wasn't always pretty, but it was never ugly, either.
California will be a different place politically, after the ending of the Brown era. I wish Gov. Brown the best in his new endeavors, and the incoming Governor every success as well.
12
The praise that Brown has earned comes with a big asterisk. He defunded the largest judiciary in the world, to the point of denying access to justice.
As a California lawyer, I watched with alarm as Brown signed budgets requiring the courts to furlough their employees, close courthouses, and drain their reserves to fund other legislative priorities. With good reason, none of this has happened under any other governor.
Brown justified all budget cuts in the name of restoring California's financial health. That's his signature achievement, but how did he get there and at what cost?
I hope historians take a close look. In a time of shocking and growing economic inequality, and deep cuts to virtually all social services, I doubt excessive taxes on the wealthy were the problem. Economic austerity uber alles, with occasional Trump-like unpredictability, leaves a complex legacy.
7
I've always admired Gov. Brown. One of the few worthy men. Heartfelt thanks for all the good you've done for the people of CA. Looking forward to hearing about your future projects.
8
Thank you Governor Brown for you years of public service. You have been a visionary leader and steward of the environment. Bringing the state out of debt and leaving a surplus that I hope will not be squandered by the Legislature. Enjoy your retirement.
6
I'm going to remember two things about Jerry Brown: how in his first term he encouraged my cousin to work out a plan to bring some order to the disorderly chaos at UC Berkeley--at the time my cousin was a Colonel in both the Army and the California National Guard. He was amazed at Brown's supernal confidence that a solution to the most intractable problems would always just "emerge," as Brown used to put it.
The second thing I can't forget is that in the 1970s Brown and my friend Allard K. Lowenstein (a sometime Congressman and U.N. Ambassador) together invented a rubric for trying hard policy problems that cut across personal and political life. The slogan was: "Government can solve the external causes of human unhappiness; it can't solve the internal causes." Today, in a world of various kinds of political radicalism that wholly ignores this important distinction, it is worth remembering this deeply conservative side of two politicians famous for their appearance as forward-leaning leftists. More power to Governor Brown and his wife. As Lowenstein would say, "God Bless."
7
My prediction is that Jerry Brown’s star is STILL rising. I doubt very much that, “Mr. Brown is riding a wave of attention that will disappear as surely as his state trooper escort.” Jerry Brown is a fascinating and admirable character. I’d bet that his stature will continue to grow as we realize how rare is his combination of intellectual rigor, political savvy, and steely resolve. I wish there were more like Jerry Brown in leadership positions in our country!
12
Another of Brown's accomplishments, not much mentioned, was his appointments to boards and commissions. As a University of California employee who prepared agenda material for its Board of Regents, I watched as he appointed independent women (that is not wives of political contributors), gays, African Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans. Many of these were "firsts." Not all were great board members, but all of them brought a new perspective to governing the University. And speaking from experience, some brought real changes.
12
I grew up in the California made possible by Governors Jerry Brown and his amazing father Edmund G. In fact, my father, who was enlisted military, retired to California because of the University of California. In those days, early seventies, I paid 600 dollars a year for a world-class education. I went on to get a BA, MA. and Ph.D. at Irvine. The Browns represent the best of American political governance.
14
Brown "arrived eight years ago to a $26 billion deficit, and is leaving a $14 billion surplus". What more need be said? And for an economy that's essentially the 5th largest economy in the world.
And that combined with environmental vision, a sense of using government to serve ALL the people and improve services and infrastructure, and a generally progressive viewpoint?
That sort of leadership by a governor should be a model for others to emulate.
Compare and contrast with Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey -- all in left in shambles by outgoing (Republican) governors -- or even NY, left in semi-shambles by both Republicans and Democrats alike.
With a record of accomplishment and smart use of political power like that, one would hope that Brown might run for president, even at the age of 80. God knows, the nation could use some effective and honest reforming government in place of corruption or self-promoting talkers who seem unable to actually accomplish anything good for those who elected them.
19
I was lucky to have lived in Oakland when he was mayor and I caucused for him when I lived in Iowa (when he ran for president). Gov. Brown will be missed. I hope others (Mr. Newsom?) learn from him. He is a progressive and a fiscal conservative and straddled that gap beautifully. Well done, Gov. Brown.
17
I voted for Governor Brown in the 1992 Democratic presidential primary in NY state. Haven't always agreed with him, but overall I'm a fan.
6
I remember when he was dating Linda Ronstadt and people thought that was scandalous! All in all, I think he was a good governor for California and his type of politician is one that really no longer exists in politics today. He was unabashed in what he believed in and stood for a liberal agenda that sought to make the lives of regular people better. For that he deserves our respect and best wishes for the future.
10
I wish Governor Brown was young enough to run for President. Among other things, he understood climate change and renewable energy before most people could even spell them. And few people are more experienced in politics and governing. I'm happy he'll still be contributing to solving problems.
14
My preferred Presidential ticket:
Jerry Brown & Kamala Harris.
He promises, as did Nancy Pelosi, to serve only four years. Then Sen. (VP) Harris, more experienced, wins two more terms. They served together in Sacto, a gigantic plus.
Governor Brown not only has been governor twice 40 years apart; he was Mayor of Oakland also. He has said the being mayor helped him understand how decisions at the State level affects municipalities. What a breath of fresh air that would be!
He's knowledgeable & deeply experienced, & took Califirnia from a billion-dollar deficit to a billion-dollar surplus.
Run, Jerry, run!
14
Brown’s legacy will be the billions he is wasting on the high speed rail to nowhere. Better to have invested that in water storage, conveyance and efficiency. He did nothing to help ease the high cost of housing and land use policies (getting residential development out of fire areas).
1
Jerry Brown deserves the thanks of all the people of California because he literally saved the state from self-destruction. We went from being the Greece of America to the wealthiest and most progressive, inclusive and egalitarian state in the country.
Salve, Jerry!!
12
Our very best California governor. Smart, pragmatic and, fiscally, the most responsible governor, since he first served in 1975. Rather than an ideologue beholden to party or constituency, Brown was and is a no nonsense public servant, governing wisely and effectively, rather than wasting time on political stunts and making empty promises. He pulled us out of a massive deficit created by mostly useless, ineffectual Republican governors - Deukmejian, Pete Davis, Schwarzenegger and the Demo technocrat Gray Davis. Brown has always cared about the state, the country and improving the world we live in. Very few politicians ever rise to this level of public service and true dedication.
19
As a long time CA resident, I am going to miss him. He still looks young enough to run for president, to my eye.
8
Gov Brown is an iconoclast, in the best sense of the word. As a conservative living in CA, I NEVER thought I'd say this, but Gov Brown was the only voice of reason in CA politics. I dread to see all the great ideas that CA politicians have for spending my money, and I fear not having his fiscal prudence guiding his veto pen. I didn't agree w/ everything he did, but...best to you, Governor.
13
We Californians are so lucky to live in this great state and to have been led by such a skillful governor. I will miss Jerry Brown. I never awoke at night worried about California or my place in. There was a seasoned captain at the helm. I’m not so complacent now. In fact I’m worried.
9
I supported all of Governor Brown's campaigns from here on the East Coast. His intelligence, morality, and sense of duty made him a standout no matter what office he ran for or cause he addressed. Even my die-hard Republican father-in-law had to admit (once, and in private, probably in 1979), that Jerry Brown was the only candidate in the race who understood that our world and our economics were now global.
9
Governor Brown would have been a fantastic President Brown. Cheers to a long and successful political career. Hopefully though we will be hearing more from Mr. Brown as the current president continues his quest to dismantle environmental regulations and make America polluted again.
7
I was a proud Californian during Gov. Brown's first round at this during the 70's. I was just a teenager then but boy oh boy those were exciting times.
He should have been president. He was the first politician I ever sent money to and to this day I wished he had won. We would not be in the messes we are now if he had. He would not have congealed the hardcore rightwing against all Dems the way it did during the Clinton era and he was morally strong enough to lash back hard if they had tried it.
He should have been president. Every office he ever touched came out far better.
10
Jerry Brown has proved it can be done, and shown how to do it. I hope other politicians will emulate him.
9
This will be a tough act to follow - especially by a politician whose style is trying to please everyone. Brown had a coherent philosophy and a backbone. Newsome's ideas are an incoherent mishmash of proto-progressive advocacy positions.
4
I wish Governor Brown the best in his retirement. I did not agree with some of his positions but he was a good governor for California and I wish he could have served a fifth term (he was governor in the 70's-80's for two terms as well as his current administration). I would rather have seen that than Gavin Newsom as Governor of California. My impression is that Governor Elect Newsom will be too loose with the state checkbook and although well intentioned will send the state back into deficit spending at a time where California cannot afford to do so -- considering the close to one trillion dollars the state already owes from past overspending and the electricity crisis of the early 2000's where deregulation caused the state's electric companies to need a trillion dollar bailout -- most of that debt hasn't been paid as of yet.
4
Good luck Jerry. We'll miss you. Job we done sir!
6
The best politician in our lifetime.
9
President Moonbeam. I remember when he ran. Too bad his timing was too early. Way ahead of his time. He would’ve made an effective POTUS. But, California got the benefit of his later years. Enjoy your next chapter in life, Citizen Brown. Glad to hear you won’t be a stranger.
8
I was at university when I heard him speak, just beginning his first run for Governor, and immediately signed up for a summer internship. I stayed six years until family obligations pulled me away. I learned so much, forming my future thought and actions. He's still the smartest man I've ever met and one of the most honest, intellectually and personally. Many conversations, intimidating when young, trying to keep up, but so valuable over a lifetime.
He hasn't changed much from that driven young man who dedicated himself to improving people's lives. His impact on California may be controversial to some but few will doubt his sincerity.
15
Brown is probably the smartest governor we ever had. I will miss him and wish him the best.
13
I love Governor Brown, but I have one question: retiring, as he is, into his rural ranch north of San Francisco, what are his plans to survive the next big wild fire to hit California?
2
Yet another Democrat who leaves office with the coffers full. Do tell why Republicans so often claim to be fiscal conservatives but always leave government in the red? Thank you Governor Brown.
11
I lived in California when he was the 34th.
As a Republican - not exactly enamoured with this man.
But, to have stayed this long in a cut throat politics and that too, in a fickle minded state of California - hat off to him.
I remember him dating Linda Ronstadt and all of his other dalliances covered ad nauseum.
I don't like his politics - but he is almost Trumpian in that he says what he means and he means what he says.
Hopefully, he will retire peacefully to his ranch and for once, stay true to his nick name, Mr Moonbeam.
This man should be ashamed of California and what his administration and party have done to that once beautiful state. From the homeless havens that have eroded the quality of life to the lack of preparation for major fires and droughts.
I just returned from a visit to LA and the San Jose area. To call the conditions that I saw there appaling is an understatement . Villages of tents along busy roadways. On previous trips I visited the Fisherman's Wharf area of San Fransisco, it was extraordinary , the police allowed human defecation and urination, public drug use was prevalent. Needless to say I will never return to that area of the world.
This is not how it is supposed to be.
This is the legacy of Jerry Brown.
2
Thank you, Governor Brown, for your excellent service to California, and to our Nation. I admire the stance you have taken as Governor amidst much mud-slinging from your foes.
The Republicans called you "Governor Moonbeam". They ridiculed you about the Med-Flys, but, you were right. You are one of the very few Politicians in America who has some backbone, and the courage to defend the Environment. A healthy Planet is far more important than obscene Corporate profit.
May California, Oregon and Washington State serve as role models for clean air and clean water - AND clean Voter counting of ballots.
As the Circus of American Government gets crazier by the day, it has been so wonderfully refreshing to have someone in Office of your caliber. Enjoy your retirement, Sir. You shall be missed.
17
I’ve lived through 70 years of California governors, and Jerry Brown was the best.... twice.
7
I still have my little brown “Brown” button from when he ran for President. I would give anything if he would run for President in 2020 so I could wear my little brown button again. He would turn this country in the right (and by right I mean correct) direction.
5
Jerry Brown could still be president (if he wants). All that has to happen is for California to secede from this not-United States. If done, other entities (States or fractions thereof) will follow in confederation. It will be peaceful: "Conservatives" have proven they can't shoot straight.
2
I still remember the old days when The New York Times derided Jerry Brown as a "committed internationalist" -- yes, that exact phrase -- and implied he had a secret agenda to destroy the State of California with his radical ideas.
The animosity by The Times towards Brown's progressive policies led the politician to be extremely wary about his interviews with Times reporters.
How times have changed?
4
Why can't he be president? He'd sure know how to handle the likes of Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy. And it would nice to have someone in the White House who actually SHOULD be president.
6
Don't get me wrong, I like Jerry and he's been good for the state. I've voted for him every time I could for local and statewide offices since 1972. But let's not get carried away. Much of the credit for the state's rosy financial picture goes to the people of CA and its initiative process. Our K-12 schools get a mandated percentage of the state budget (an initiative). Our improved education has fueled our economic improvement as a state. It's that mandated percentage that has kept Jerry from cutting K-12 funding (he did borrow against it). We have a millionaires' tax that has built up that reserve (an initiative enacted an extension of it that Jerry opposed). Jerry has been quite niggardly when funding higher ed, both the UC and the Cal State systems, a decision that has been a drag on the state's economy. We have the stability of an on-time budget because of an initiative that cuts off legislators' pay if we don't get one. The legislature's leadership also deserves credit for policing itself and forcing Jerry to do the right thing when he was in some snit or other. And Jerry's bullet train to nowhere has been a multi-billion boondoggle. So give Jerry credit. But he didn't save CA's economy from Schwarzenegger's idiocy by himself and he's made plenty of mistakes. He was no Pat Brown, but he was pretty good.
18
I voted for Mr. Brown in every election he ran in. And I have never regretted it. Good luck and best wishes for a wonderful retirement.
11
Very grateful for having had Jerry Brown as my governor over the years. A highly respected man of great intelligence, compassion and vision. In sum, a great political leader to whom history will be very kind.
16
I greatly admire Jerry Brown. He has been phenomenally good for California and the world. I and others will be forever thankful to him for his service to the state and the world.
18
Same age as Gov.Brown. And I loved his radio broadcasts in New York decades ago when he was between government posts! Creative, smart, humorous, and more, I was so glad he was elected to serve again. Imaginative ideas, and a moral and principled person.
Happy and busy retirement to him!
14
I deeply admire Governor Brown from way back, and love that he is expecting visits from theologians to his new ranch. I bet they come! The way he has incorporated the exploration of spirituality and religion into his life - including Zen meditation, the intellectual rigor of the Jesuits, and the compassion of Mother Teresa - has much to do, in my opinion, with his ability to actually serve people, with his wisdom to know how to be helpful, and with his strength of character to get the job done. While I recognize that calling him "Governor Moonbeam" was a term of derision at the time, I have always loved it because I think he has very uniquely shown how radiant compassion is best served by pragmatic, reasonable, skilled and fiercely energetic action. Only wish we had had the chance to call him President Sunshine. Good luck, sir!
22
@Connie Moffit There are all kinds of fools in this world who forget the scriptural injunction (straight from the mouth of Christ, I think) that "he who calls his brother a fool shall be liable to the judgment." I very much appreciated your comment.
4
I'll miss Jerry's ability to act as a restraint on the worst impulses of our legislature. He always tempered the excesses and was cautious about using the law the force societal change, sometimes too cautious for my tastes, but at least he tried to strike a balance. We now face an emboldened left, which in California always means higher taxes and greater restrictions on personal choice.
6
Thank you, Jerry Brown, for all you did for California. I lived in CA from 1988 through 2015, and you are hands down the best governor I've seen. When you took office, everyone was saying that California was ungovernable. You showed them that it just took the right kind of person. When a friend's husband, a previously staunch Republican, told me in 2015 that Jerry Brown was his favorite politician, I knew you had won over everyone who thinks about the issues confronting us, rather than reacting from partisan positions. Well done! Enjoy retirement!
25
I liked Jerry Brown 2.0. He could be blunt but he was direct. His annual state-of-the-state addresses were short and to the point. He had no time for ceremony, as he had to get back to work. Thank you, Governor Brown, for everything you have done for the state.
21
I will miss Gov Brown, one of the few politicians I respect. I'm impressed with his fiscal responsibility and commitment to the environment. I'm not a fan of his high speed rail project, but other than that, I am big supporter and I'll miss his leadership of my state government! I met him years ago in the airport sitting alone in the United Red Carpet Room with no entourage, so I approached him to thank him for his life of public service and he could not have been nicer or more engaging. He stopped what he was working on and chatted amiably with me for several minutes. Thank you Jerry Brown. You will be missed!
31
Farewell and godspeed, Jerry Brown.
Priorities straight, promises kept, successes aplenty - we are forever in your debt.
34
Thank you to Governor Brown, for his leadership, vision, and toughness. He is a problem solver and while I didn't agree with every decision made, I always respected his fiscal prudence and open mindedness.
19
Governor Brown, so glad you ran for President in 1976. You earned my first-ever vote as a Maryland resident. Thank you for the inspiration and true leadership, and for your public service. Wishing you the very best in this new stage of your life.
19
Me too-Maryland Presidential Primary in May 1976. First vote ever, and have always been proud of that vote.
6
An amazing career. Brown was elected governor while I was in college at Cal State University, Northridge. After two terms conventional wisdom would predict his political career was over. He has too sharp of a tone for a presidential candidate. It seems he really peaked in the last eight years during terms three and four. California would be smart to heed his warnings about over-spending. I am a liberal, and we have a long list of agenda items we would love to see, but we need to have Jerry Brown pragmatism, as well.
41
I voted for Brown in Wisconsin in the 1980 primary, and later lived in California as a college student when Brown was governor the first time. I’ve always admired him and believe what he has done in California is brilliant. He is a model for other leaders to emulate.
30
As a newspaper reporter in Texas and then California for many years, I interviewed hundreds, maybe thousands of politicians from Ronald Reagan to unremembered city council members. But far and away, the most intelligent and interesting one was Jerry Brown. I was once in a car with him and my paper's publisher and managing editor -- both of whom were to the far right of Mussolini -- and he so dazzled us all that they almost endorsed him.
56
The 39.5 million Californians in their Democratic People's Republic were ably led by Governor " Moonbeam". Stamping out the last Hollywood heathen hedonist legacy of Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger was a humble humane empathetic service to our divided limited power constitutional republic of united states.
17
"Jerry Brown has served as governor twice ..."
This is vastly misleading. He was elected governor four times, in 1974, 1978, 2010, and 2014, spanning 40 years.
34
I was a high school freshman when Jerry Brown was first elected governor. Next year, I turn 60. He has been my political idol my entire adult life, and he is the greatest governor California ever had. Thank you, Governor Brown.
57
Jerry Brown is a man so rare, dare I say sui generis, I hope he doesn't keep quiet on that ranch of his. So many politicians, after rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, go for the bucks after office so they can continue livin' large. George Will said a true conservative believes in the scarcity of everything. Jerry is a true ascetic, a true conservative. Stay in the game, Jerry - some way, some how. We need you more than ever.
46
Jerry Brown represents what all politicians should aspire to be. We Californians could not be more proud.
46
Brown helped Make California Great Again after the devastation of the Schwarzenegger Republican debacle. If only he could step in one more time for America ...?
37
Best governor, ever.
34
From a $26B deficit to $14B surplus tells a big story. That was after years of Republican obstruction and political posturing. Now the GOP is a third-rate minority party and on its way to obscurity. We can only hope this happens on a national level as well. The only question is do we have a Democrat, on the national level, who has the courage to make the hard decisions like Gov Brown.
Enjoy your retirement Gov Brown, you deserve it.
327
@SantaCruz Joe
Surplus is illusory when you account for unfunded state employee liabilities.
7
@Steve- thank you Steve for pointing this out. California’s unfunded pension liabilities have been estimated at between $250-500 billion over the past five years. Economics 101- you cannot have a “balanced budget” with that kind of liability on your books. Interesting it took a fellow Cruzian to highlight this fact.
8
Governor Brown was our best governor. He has twice lifted an economically dysfunctional state inherited from (first) Gov. Reagan and (second) Schwarzenegger and left our state with a surplus. He now leaves California as the 5th largest economy in the world.
During his two 8 years terms, he pressed forward on ecology regulations. The results are stunning. We have had no ozone alerts in the LA basin since. Schools are not preventing recess outside, our air and water are clean.
His approach towards governance has been more non-partisan than partisan. He has consistently sought the most practical position that has the highest ethical and sustainable value. Indeed, he has made mistakes, but in balance his leadership has been exemplary.
Governor Brown would make a fine POTUS. . .well educated, solid track record of sustainable policies, fiscally conservative, ethical, and promoting individual responsibility.
97
Jerry Brown was the first person I helped elect to office. I was a Cal freshman and so excited by his candidacy. I was from Arizona and he was everything I was hoping to encounter in my move to California. I have moved a few times and haven't always been able to electorally support him. (I can't believe he is 80.) But I've never been more proud of any vote, or any politician-statesman, than I've been with Mr. Brown.
35
He was our best governor (the train excepted), and he'll be sorely missed. He should have been president, but that would have robbed CA, unfairly. So long, Jerry! Live 100 years!
35
I met him while a student at Cabrillo College when he was about 35, a candidate in the California Democratic primary for governor, right at the beginning of his career. He was next to me in line in the cafeteria and we talked about farm workers. Sad to see him go...
30
Don't forget to order the rakes before you leave!
15
I've always respected and admired Jerry Brown, even when I have (seldom) not agreed with his viewpoint. A man of character, intellect and integrity, he is a completely different species from the White House's resident reptile.
42
In his later career Brown has done what now seems impossible: he simply ignored the fossilized distinctions between liberal and conservative politics, and instead focused on solving problems. A few years ago I remember reading an editorial in my local newspaper, which has always had a conservative slant. The editors grudging acknowledged Brown, because as a Democrat he was more successful at exercising fiscal restraint than any of the Republican politicians they normally supported.
America could do with more politicians devoted more to solving society’s problems than waging full-time gang wars with their political opponents, which is what we seem to have now.
277
A Long Farewell from Jerry Brown....and a short Good Riddance to Governor Moonbeam. I hope your the first and last passenger on your bankrupt legacy, The Train to Nowhere.
2
@John
Read the article. California has a budget surplus. And California has to support poor, underfunded states like Georgia.
60
@John from Georgia???
14
@John Reading this response underlines the fossilized, anachronistic, and failed rhetoric from the right. Republicans and their economic and social policies have nothing to offer the US but pain and suffering.
Welcome to California, the state with the nation's best economy because of, not despite, strong environmental regulations and a progressive tax system, and (someday) high-speed rail.
"Governor Moonbeam." Seriously?
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Gerry, come back and replace Gavin Newsom when he is elected President. Newsom can beat Trump because he can stand up to him. Come back and be the 41st governor, PLEASE!
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Governor Jerry Brown, California's ultimate politician, is, as he says himself, is one of the most knowledgeable people in the country about American politics. When Richard Nixon died in 1994, I interviewed Jerry Brown for KPIX-TV in San Francisco to get his perspective. He said straight out that Nixon was "a criminal" and that should never be forgotten; this at the same moment almost everyone else was lauding Nixon's role as a statesman. Months later, I was having dinner with my parents at Tomasso's restaurant in North Beach and Jerry Brown walked past our table. He stopped and said hello, remembering me by name, though we had met that one time only; we were floored. Which was another reminder why he was such a great politician himself! Governor Brown, wishing you all the best in the years to come. Thank you for everything you did and are doing for California and the country.
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Easy for a man with lucrative ties to natural gas interests to make a game of being environmentally responsible.
He will never be forgiven for presiding over a government which closed its two largest point-sources of clean energy - San Onofre and Diablo Canyon nuclear power plants - and replacing them with gas, adding 16 million tons of CO2 emissions to California's annual total.
From everyone who recognizes our former governor as a hybrid-driving, solar-panelled poseur - good riddance.
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San Onofre had defective parts and was leaking. So Cal Edison closed the plant and is working on decommissioning it.
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And Diablo Canyon is closing because PG&E decided that the FEDERAL relicensing requirements were not worth the cost.
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@BobMeinetz
First, kudos instead of criticism to Jerry Brown on the environmental front. California produces half of its electricity from renewal sources, better than most states in the U.S.
In addition, I think nuclear power is fantastic..... except for two items that cripple it. 1- if things go wrong, they can go very wrong, and following Murphy's law, they usually do (think Fukushima) and 2 - If no one has a reasonable and safe way to dispose of or neutralize the radioactive waste, and they don't, then adding 16 million tons of CO2 emissions by using gas is the lesser of two evils. In the meantime, California is working harder than anyone to get the gas use down.
Governing is hard work.
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Although everyone knows his governorships, runs for president, mayor of Oakland resume, we who live here also remember his "We The People" radio gig out of his port of Oakland sanctuary. It was a great show, informative, always interesting, provocative guests, real life subjects discussed, and Jerry was a a perfect radio personality. I met him outside an Oakland arts studio where I performed music for an opening. Out on the curb he was looking for his driver, and I told him he was a great pol, but I loved his show and wished he'd come back to radio. He just smiled, thanked me, and left me with the impression that he had bigger fish to fry. No kidding.
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@Stephen Holland I know some people who worked at KPFA, where, behind his back, his radio show was sardonically referred to as “I The People”.
That’s ok. He used his various platforms for the good of all. I’d be very happy if he did another show or podcast, no matter how self-centered it is. He’s earned it.
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@James Jacobs Most of the radicals at KPFA can't stand a successful, pragmatic, environmentalist, liberal with a fiscally conservative streak.
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I'd love to listen to Jerry Brown podcasts!
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It should be noted that in the 1992 Pres primaries when Brown came into NY & NJ with lots of momentum and a win in New York could have put the nomination away, the New York Times crucified him on their editorial pages, Of course they endorsed Clinton but they went much further. And Anthony Lewis the so called great liberal at the Times gave it too him good, calling him Gov Moonbeam and all that. I remember writing a letter to the editor saying this. Now as it turned out Clinton in my view was the best Pres in my lifetime. But Brown might have been the greatest of all. A true visionary and articulate man.
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@Doctor Woo I remember that oh so well. Gov. Brown would have been the third greatest president ever.
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@Doctor Woo
The Times always tries to derail progressives. Because the Times is not progressive: it's a closet Republican newspaper. It may still be the newspaper of record; but it betrays its readers, and the nation, with false equivalency and a malice to true progressives who might have lifted our country out of the GOP morass it finds itself in.
Shame on you, NY Times.
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I hope Gavin asks for advice.
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A job well done Jerry Brown. Within our human flawed abilities, you showed determination in doing what's right, even during treacherous times. What a difference with the current brutus ignoramus in the White House. Time to enjoy your freedom in using your well deserved idleness to remain curious about the world, and continue to contribute to make less onerous the flickering light of this suffering democracy. Best wishes for a joyful 'retirement'.
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Ironic. Democrats have made life difficult for farmers and rural California. Now retiring, Brown moves to rural California amongst the very people and lifestyles so mocked by the left.
He should have stayed in the Oakland warehouse and left the folks in Colusa alone.
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@Lane
Rural counties in California are not wall to wall right wing. Many of the liveliest small towns vote consistently blue. I would hazard a guess that the Browns' rural roots in Colusa (1877) run deeper than most of his Republican critics'.
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Brown didn't tax the rush enough. They don't pay any tax only the poor and middle class pay taxes. The rich have too many loopholes and end up paying nothing.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Governor Brown. California is in a much better place because of you and I am so grateful to live in a state that actively fights the horrors of Donald Trump and his dehumanizing & destructive policies. It was an honor to have you as Governor.
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Brown can be self-important, and had some flaky ideas in the old days, but I never doubted his commitment to an old-fashioned idea: he was a career public servant. After his presidential bid, Instead of becoming head of "government affairs" at Bechtel or Apple or GM, he ran for mayor of Oakland, because he saw the city needed leadership (and because everyone told him not to). The only precedent that comes to mind is John Quincy Adams. After he was President, Adams served in the US House as a Congressman. Like Adams, Brown knew where his talents could do the most good -- in government. I hope there are some young people who learn from his career. I guess another analogy comes to mind too: Brown was the Clint Eastwood of politics. He re-invented himself, knew what he was good at, and stayed in the game a long time. Brown even leaned to growl like Eastwood: "Get off my budget . . ."
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@Cal Prof. Great comment.
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@Cal Prof Great piece on Adams in https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2019/01/17/john-quincy-adams-great-american-hater/ talks about how passionate he was about living life to the fullest and deepest--as he was a prolific writer and new editions and compilations of his letters recently published.
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Gov. Brown had a major role in two of the largest boondoggles in history; the Bay Bridge (when he was mayor of Oakland) and The High Speed Rail. Fiscal restraint indeed! Why wasn't this even brought up on the fluff piece?
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@xnocal
They contracted a Chinese firm and it went billions over budget.
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@xnocal
Yet, the state is still in great shape as he leaves office.
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Look at California!
First came the Motor Voter law. This meant that as soon as any California RESIDENT acquired or renewed his/her driver's license or state ID, he/she would be registered to vote automatically.
Second, the state legislature authorized counties automatically to send absentee ballots to voters, even if they had not requested those ballots.
Third, the rules governing ballot custody were changed so that anyone could turn in absentee ballots, not just the actual voter.
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@Kurt VanderKoi. The voter must sign to approve one specific person to deliver the ballot. That has been the case for decades.
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Good Riddance! California gasoline prices run consistently between $3.25 to over $4.00 a gallon. The state pension system "Calpers" has over $300 billion in unfunded liabilities. The public education system is a disgrace, illegal immigrants are protected, the homeless population is over 52,000 in L.A. County alone, there is a huge housing shortage and dogs are allowed to masquerade as "service animals" and paraded in and out of every building and shopping center imaginable. Other than DEMOCRATS hold the majority in the State legislature can somebody tell me what's going on?
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@Aaron I don't see any issue with dogs though.
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@Aaron. Yes: unbridled capitalism. CalPERS is an investment plan, and stock returns are volatile. As a 3rd gen Californian in my late 60’s, I love our state, and I thank Gov. Brown for helping to clean the environment, stabilize the economy, and preserve our resources so that my grandchildren can live a long, healthy life in this beautiful place.
BTW, the solution for high gas prices? Buy a hybrid or electric car. Better yet, public transportation can get you from here to there: use it. I grew up in South Orange County, now live in the Bay Area, and I know whereof I speak.
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@Aaron: some stations in DC sell gas for more than $4.00 per gallon. What's your point?
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Thanks Jerry. Best governor.
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Brown was mayor of Oakland when he attended the unveiling of a commissioned statue in a public place made by a friend. After the ceremony, he walked up to me, the artist, and her mother who were talking together. He invited us to dinner. I mumbled something about needing to do laundry and skipped it. Yes, I’m fool.
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Jerry Brown in 2020!
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Mr. Brown,
Likely, I am speaking for millions in saying that I will truly miss your intellectual candor. ( and astoundingly dry sense of humor)
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@J J Davies This is something that has somehow gone unreported: the guy is actually hilariously funny.
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Pulled by the sacred and the secular, a complicated enfolding of the political Brahmin and the cagey coyote, Brown—because, not despite his contradictions—is one of the best exemplars of a noble, able executor in my lifetime.
Run Jerry, Run!
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I’ve always admired Gov. Brown. He was an environmentalist and progressive well before other politicians. He is a voice of reason in the most diverse state in the country. I’m tired of the same old politicians, especially in my state, thinking that gun rights and abortion issues are paramount. The Gov. has a vision of the future; we can continue on that path without him-or not.
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In 1992 we could have had Jerry Brown as President. The Democrats chose Bill Clinton.
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He leads by example, putting the people and the future of this state in front of his own ambition. That is why he is successful and managed to get elected and re-elected twice.
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He'll be back.
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Run, Jerry, run. Bernie, stay home.
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Looking into the future, I for one could use a little less darkness and a little more moonbeam.
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California, the 5th largest economy in the world, has a budget surplus. Hmmm. California: heavily taxed and highly regulated. Yes regulations are difficult to navigate for businesses (eg. worker's comp) and the average citizen (Straws!) but would you rather live and work in Beijing/Mexico City/etc or California? The comparisons to 'lower regulatory states' is irrelevant. Not even the same league. When they start sending more into the federal coffers than they take in, as California does, only then will I listen to their criticism of our way of doing things.
Are things running to perfection here? Obviously not but...
I applaud Gov Brown for his common sense approach to taxes and governance. He learned a lot over his decades in public service at the local and state levels. What he could teach our current President! Some folks can't see past the "Gov Moonbeam" moniker. That is so 1980s. How I wish he were running in 2020. Happy Retirement, Guv!
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California, as reported in the LA Times, is losing residents. It also has pension obligations it cannot meet, much like CT, another state losing residents and its tax base.
California is great to visit and I have family there, but AZ has 8000 dollars per million property taxes and youre more free, which is why we take in more Cali residents than any other state. 91 gas is $2.99 at the border. 4.25 when I was just in LA.
It is a 45 minute flight to LA and 1 hour to SF, so one can enjoy cali then come back to the real world.
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@Scott
If the sixth largest economy in the world didn’t have the issues to match its diversity I’d be worried. Perhaps you should pick on one your own size...like Lichtenstein?
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@Scott Losing residents or a housing shortage? Republicans need to get their stories straight!
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I am amazed that Brown ever got elected to any position. Based on this interview he seems full of himself,charmless and thoroughly dislikeable.
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@Milton Lewis-likeability is irrelevant at best and potentially dangerous because it comes in most politicians from a neediness to please. The best governance is by the curmugeon with a moral compass, a long view, and respect for the law.
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....so, Stephen Harper was your PM?
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Using the California Highway Patrol to have a fire ready for you in your private house on the 2000+ acre private ranch before you arrive? He's been a great governor but why do these pols all extend state resources into their personal lives?
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@Susie** I think he was joking with his wife.
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@Susie The CHP is there for the governor's security as the Secret Service is for the president. I'm sure his detail had no issue with helping the governor light a fire.
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Before my family moved to New YorK City we lived in California. My father thought politicians were progressive and caring. Of course that was not the case, however Governor Brown in his many political positions in California, brought the best to the state and the people he represented to the table.
In this new era of do nothings GOP politicians we await the new reincarnation of Governor Brown and long for his educated voice in the public square.
With the new diversity in Washington D.C. Governor Brown who cares about America will be at their side. Their is hope as long as democrats who truly care about the country remain involved We cant afford to not understand the past and make the same mistakes over and over again, putting the country at risk.
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@Tony
I have lived in California during 3 of 4, of Governor Brown's 4 terms. When he was elected to his 3rd term, in 2010, I was living in North Carolina. Five years of living in a state where Republicans state that government doesn't work and when elected go about proving it. I moved back to state with a governor, Jerry Brown, who believed and governed in manner to improve the common good.
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Such a fantastic and fascinating man! I wish the piece had said a bit about his varied and interesting past -- he was a monk, he was Linda Ronstadt's boyfriend.
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Jerry Brown has been around since the mid 70s. I've always followed his career with interest. CA has changed so much from his first term as Gov. Moonbeam. Now he is probably the most successful non sell out politician in the country.
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I wish he would run for President. I would vote for him or Bloomberg in a heartbeat.
One of the problems with the Presidency today is that we value rhetoric over experience and proven success. If Presidents were just "idea people" that would be fine, but they really are not, and need to understand and value governance thoroughly. If you haven't been a governor, or in some form of government for around 20 years, or in the military, do the country a favor and don't run for President, please.
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@ann Then please elect your Mayor as President!
Thank you for the very candid and amusing article about Gov. Brown.
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The Golden State is Jerry Brown and Jerry Brown is the Golden State.
Mr Brown lives and breathes the Republic of CA.
You may not agree with him but no other Governor has had such an impact on a state.
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When Jerry Brown ran for president in 1976 - and in 1980, and in 1992 - I thought he was a prima donna. He constructed a persona around double-speak slogans like "less is more," and he seemed more interested in celebrity than governance.
Then in 1998, out of office and out of favor, instead of becoming a high-priced lobbyist, Brown ran for mayor of Oakland - what would appear to be a thankless job for a man with no future. To everyone's amazement, he inspired a renaissance in that down-and-out city, a revitalization that Oakland still enjoys.
He worked his way back up the ladder, serving ably as state attorney general, then a second time as governor. This time, without presidential ambitions, Brown was exceptional. As a liberal governor during a time when liberalism was widely equated with crime, out-of-control government spending, and wild-eyed idealism, Brown proved that liberalism is a sustainable governing philosophy. California today is at once one of our most liberal and one of our most successful states.
Brown's tenure teaches liberals the virtue of patience: we can't afford to do everything we'd like to do all at once. Instead we must do the hard work of making priorities and proceeding step by step - diligently and with determination, but also pragmatically and with discipline. Brown's tenure teaches that government need not surrender to corporate greed, that people matter most - and that we can't fight every battle all at once.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
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What an interesting guy! For all of his contradictions, you can't not admire Jerry Brown. There is a fascinating portrait of him in a recent issue of Governing Magazine - http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-california-governor-jerry-brown-legacy.html. It's worth checking out.
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That is the person who should have run for the Democratic Party nomination and been elected two years ago.
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One of California’s all-time most effective governors. Like father, like son.
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I wish Mr. Brown all good things going forward. I'm not a Californian, but I still apreciate his service to public office, and to his State and his country. He is a source of unique and invaluable insights, and would be someone worthwhile with whom to sit and talk, especially before making some decisions on a national stage (can you hear this, Kamala and Beto?) Newsom would be an idiot, if he had not already counseled with Brown, on several occasions before, and going forward.
29
We will miss him.
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Governor Brown is what the world is currently lacking and is critically in need of : Exemplary Leaders!!!
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Did not like Brown the Younger first time around, as he was no friend of the UC system and fairly odd in general. Voted for him both times as Brown the Older, even while disagreeing with his Delta tunnel thing and his baffling refusal to condemn offshore fracking. He will be a tough act to follow. Probably our best governor since his father, who might have been our greatest one.
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@Publius Hmmm, don't recall him being unfriendly of the UC system. I was at Cal Poly Pomona for 3 years under Brown, and 3 years under Dukmajian, and things were much worse under the latter. Fees basically tripled, which our campus funding was cut.
3
We need more public servants like Jerry Brown. Hopefully Gavin Newsom will be another one in his mold. (To the extent they didn't break the mold.)
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One of the few politicians I’ve admired from afar. I voted for him twice for President and never regretted those votes. A true individual with a long view and wisdom rare in politics these days. Too bad he’s not a few years younger. A term or two as president would cap off an epic career and set our country on a sustainable path.
Enjoy retirement Jerry—and keep in touch.
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As a longtime resident of the great state of California, I thank you Governor Brown for being an exemplary public servant. We, the People, could use more political leaders like you: smart, forward-thinking, environmentally conscious, frugal when necessary, and passionate. May your force be with us!
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Governor Jerry Brown showed us how it's done - tax the wealthiest. It's not about income. It's about tax evasion by the inherited/stolen Robber Barons who break every rule in the book - including moving money overseas to "protect" it form taxes. Yet, they do everything they can to get taxes from the rest of us.
The bottom line is, "he arrived eight years ago to a $26 billion deficit, and is leaving a $14 billion surplus". THAT is a success story in itself. Add to that his commitment to OUR environment and social safety nets for ALL Americans and Mr. Brown is the kind of smart, dedicated person WE THE PEOPLE need managing OUR states and U.S. governments.
It's sad that he is not interested in running to be President but I'll watch carefully to see who he endorses. If they are good enough for him - as well as Senator Elizabeth Warren and President/Michelle Obama - they are good enough for me.
Thanks, again, Mr. Brown for caring so much about OUR United States of America. We owe you a great debt of gratitude.
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Although I lived in San Francisco when Brown ran for president and attended at least one of his rallies, his impact on my life didn't hit home until I had long since moved away and only visited CA. Under the previous governor's reign, my wife and I often traveled in our RV from WA to the Bay Area. We began to notice that roadside rest stops were closing and that the sides of I-5 were not well maintained. Small potatoes, I know, but it's the small things that travelers notice. Brown's administration not only opened rest stops, it maintained the roadside. That he cared about the small things gave me the impression that he cared about the "small" people. Of course, I knew that about him when I lived in CA. Do not go gentle into that good night, Governor Brown.
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A man who loves his job!
He is so right about politicians who seize on the hard won and usually temporary surplus in a budget as a plum pudding to distribute as quickly as possible to feed their supporters and ensure their next election.
He also surprised - and pleased me - with the comment that they - we - don't need MORE laws on the books. Whether state - or federal - simply piling on legislation often makes for confusing the issues - great make-work for attorneys, but ridiculous for small businesspeople -- and farmers.
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@cheryl - A man with vision, experience, pragmatism, and mental balance. If only he would reconsider running for president. He's only a little older than Biden and Sanders. :)
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