RE: Question 1: Who's in charge?

I think the Master Plan's recommendations to realign the statewide governance system to center on a single source of accountability—the Governor—represent a good first step.  As Senator Alpert said, the recommended system isn't one any of us would have chosen.  These recommendations are an improvement, but they should be a starting point and not an end.  The problem is that since these are large-scale issues involving the highest elected offices in California, this kind of serious state-wide discussion rarely takes place.  The California Constitutional Review Commission considered these issues in 1995.  In many ways the Master Plan continues that discussion.  As we come back to review this document in future years, I expect that the Master Plan will serve as a jumping off point for discussions on this incredibly important topic.