The council favors random selections from a "jury pool" of ordinary citizens. But jury panels don't always work even in court trials.
I'd rather have delegates elected locally or appointed by, say, boards of supervisors. True, that risks too much special interest influence. But we're fortunate that delegates to America's first constitutional convention were elected locally and included the likes of Jefferson and Madison.
Another reform group, California Forward, also is pressing for either legislative action or -- more likely -- ballot initiatives in 2010 and 2012 to overhaul government. Its proposals could include shifting more power and revenue from Sacramento to local governments, extending legislative term limits and allowing state budgets to be passed by a majority vote rather than two-thirds.
Just doing that last one -- eliminating the stalemate-producing two-thirds vote requirement for budget passage (never mind taxes) -- would amount to a home run.
Add a couple more hits -- term limits extension, initiative reform -- and you'd have a nice Sacramento rally.
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george.skelton@latimes.com
