This week San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom will conduct his first online town hall. I've been asked to moderate it, and so I want to know what's on your mind.
As many of you know Newsom is one of several declared and rumored challengers for California's 2010 Governor's race.
California faces an incredible set of challenges. The budget solution is a temporary patch at best and our legislators can't fully address the problem due to the two-thirds requirement. Our school system ranks 49th in the country where we used to be among the leaders. Our unemployment rate is projected to hit an astonishing 12.2 percent this year—and in some counties, it's been higher than that for a long time. If you're a frequent reader at calitics (and you should be) you know more about the details here than a lot of folks.
Even though we're clearly in crisis, opportunity abounds. California has long enjoyed a reputation for leading the way with innovative policies for the rest of the country. That's why this race is important and that's why it's important for people from across the country to weigh in on the conversation.
At Netroots Nation, we believe voters should have access to their elected officials, expect authentic conversation and hold them accountable. At our national convention we've heard from elected leaders including President Obama (then a Senator), President Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid, Gov. Howard Dean, Mayor Gavin Newsom, and many more. We're happy to play a part in creating a space for that dialogue locally. That's why I agreed to play a part in this online town hall.
So if you've got a question let's hear it in the comments below. You can also spread the word on Facebook as well.
Then join the conversation online for a video town hall Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m.
If you want to make sure you get a reminder about the details for the town hall just RSVP here.
So with that, let's hear what's on your mind.