May 13, 2008

Willie and Wesson share advice

With Karen Bass’ swearing in Tuesday as the next speaker of the Assembly, Capitol Alert asked a pair of her predecessors – former Speakers Willie Brown and Herb Wesson – to share advice for the new leader of the lower house.

Brown, who served roughly 15 years as speaker, said Bass will inherit “awesome” power and responsibility – even if she’s termed out in 2010.

“Her speakership may be short in terms of time but it’s never short in terms of responsibilities. She will have awesome responsibilities,” Brown said, standing outside the Willie L. Brown Jr. room in the Capitol.

“She now becomes one of the Big 5 – in my opinion, as speaker, she becomes number one of the Big 5,” he said of the negotiating group that includes the four legislative leaders and the governor.

The governor’s office might have something to say about that pecking order, but that’s a story for another day.

As for her workload, Brown said the budget must come first: “She’s got to go to work to start doing that.”

Brown famously fended off Republican challenges to his speakership for more than a year after the 1994 elections swept Republicans into the majority.

To keep order in her house, Brown said Bass “first has to develop a relationship with her membership, Republicans as well as Democrats.”

“She has to instill in them that they have a good-government responsibility, not a political party responsibility and I think Karen Bass is uniquely talented and skilled to do that,” he said.

That means “dealing with the issues that affect the other 79 members – that’s everybody.”

“Except yourself,” I replied.

“Seventy-nine members,” he smiled. “You don’t look out for yourself you look out for the 79 members, they will ensure that you have a job.”

Wesson, who preceded Fabian Núñez as speaker, said the key to a short-term speakership is “to pick one or two things, focus on it laser-like and deliver.”

Bass has said the budget, the state’s tax structure and foster care will be her priorities.

“In an era when you have budget problems that is all you can do,” said Wesson, who pointed out that a deficit-plagued budget marked his speakership, as well.

“The key is to be a good listener,” he said. “If people think you’re listening, sometimes they give you a break.”

“This is a tough house,” Wesson added. “It’s a tough gig.”

Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, himself a former speaker, had no interest in offering Bass advice.

“Do I have an option?” he asked. “No. If I have an option, no.”

Posted by Shane Goldmacher on May 13, 2008 2:31 PM