I. Fuller Discussion

Shaping the Future of Our State through Independent Citizen Dialogue and Action

Common Sense California is a group of citizens organizing because of our shared concerns about the future of our state. Of all of the important dilemmas facing California, one strikes us as fundamental: the profound disconnection and lack of trust that now exist between the people of California and those we have elected to make the vital investments and decisions that can secure a high quality of life over the next several decades.

The people of California do not believe that our elected representatives, especially at the state level, understand what most Californians believe. Further, they are convinced that "common sense" solutions to pressing problems are being ignored or overlooked under the pressure of a) political ideology of both the right and left and b) the lobbying of "special interests."

Common Sense California believes that there is much valuable "common sense" in what informed Californians say in the course of serious and sustained dialogue about the often difficult problems that face us. It is our goal to encourage and lift up the "common sense" of the people of California, and thus to add an important new ingredient to public policy debates at the state level. In this way, we will work to create an environment of public sentiment that moves the Legislature and Governor to (a) adopt more intelligent state policies that will prepare this state for a better future and (b) repair the sense of alienation felt by many Californians toward their government. And we will hold elected officials accountable for enhancing the future prospects of California, not merely maximizing the political advantage of today.

Stated simply, we hope to strengthen the process of democratic participation so as to improve the republic¹ of California.