Californians may not agree on much, but everyone seems to believe the state’s system of government is in serious need of repair. But after months of public debate over how to fix the gridlock, voters remain divided over proposals to alter the state’s constitution. Also, according to a new Field Poll released today, 75% believe that the major challenges facing the state can be addressed by elected officials without more fundamental changes. Yet most voters blame lawmakers for the mess we’re in. We talk with the Jon Christensen, of the Stanford University’s Bill Lane Center for the American West, one of the co-sponsors of the survey, and conduct our own informal poll with AirTalk listeners. Can government performance be improved without fundamental, structural change?

Guest:

Jon Christensen, Executive Director, Stanford University’s Bill Lane Center for the American West