California’s “democratic reforms” have left a place as… [key] as Monterey County without any state representation from one of its own.
Joe Mathews articles
Joe Mathews writes for Democracy Chronicles from his home in California. He is a columnist and editor at Zócalo Public Square and co-president of the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy.
In America, the Joe-mocracy Rules
A republic? A democracy? No, our country is an avuncular autocracy run by old guys named joe.
Why Gambling Can’t Really Lose In California
When state voters approved an expansion of casino gaming, gaming interests assured us that gambling here would be governed by strict limits.
Los Angeles Doesn’t Need A City Council
The people of L.A. will have the opportunity to live a dream and fire their failed politicians, so they can take up the work of local democracy.
California’s Prop 30 Is So Bad It Might Be Good
Joe Mathews asks: Will the fight against climate change finally force the replacement of California’s broken governing system?
Can Fighting Money with Money Create Fairer Elections?
Less than 1 percent of the population donates to local races. In Oakland, giving voters ‘democracy dollars’ might even the playing field.
Will California Get Smart About Mass Transit?
A new train could help battle climate change, serve expanding metro areas, and create a northern California mega-region.
Connecting California : The Breakup San Bernardino County Needs
San Bernardino is putting secession on the November ballot but the nation’s largest county should reconsider its 51st state ambition.
California Doesn’t Need A New Abortion Measure
The fact that California permits such measures to be placed on the ballot in the first place is by far the biggest issue with Prop 1.
Carmel’s Cautionary Tale for Post-Roe America
The lesson is about… the human horrors of letting judges, or anyone else, determine our rights on the basis of history – especially when history omits so much.