Politics

Q&A: CA Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Tony Beard Jr.

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The California Senate may lose a quarter of its members every two years via term limits, but Chief Sergeant-at-Arms Tony Beard Jr. remains at the helm. Following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps, he assumed the post 28 years ago at the age of 29. Today, many would argue that Beard is the legislature's deepest well of institutional memory remaining.

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One Size Fits None

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California legislators feel the pull of constituent interests, personal beliefs, party politics and interest group pressure.

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Q&A: CA Assemblyman Michael Villines

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PT talks to Michael Villines, California Assemblyman for Fresno, Clovis and Madera about redistricting, the committee process and restoring efficiency to the Legislature.

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Q&A: CA State Senator Don Perata

Policy Today magazine cover
September 8, 2005

Don Perata, President pro Tem of the California Senate, talks to PT about the forces driving the campaign for legislative redistricting.

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CA Infrastructure: The Bonds are Coming

Policy Today magazine cover
May/June, 2006

After intense political wrangling, voters will see a $37 billion bond package in November. Many are wondering how it finally came to pass, and why it didn't happen in time for the June ballot.

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