The truth remains stranger than fiction, even more so when assessing public figures. Former California Governor Jerry Brown has had a spotlight shown on his profile for more than five decades. His father, Pat, served two terms as Governor. Jerry carried the torch as a public servant in California, being elected Governor in 1974 and re-elected in 1978. He ran for President a few times as well, but California was where he thrived. He would be elected for two more terms in 2010 & 2014. Public service seemed his calling.
Author William Smithers had his work cut out for him in THE WIZARD OF SACRAMENTO, evaluating an establishment figure, especially Jerry Brown, who is viewed as a trailblazing Progressive who rocked the stodgy establishment that had the Golden State in its vice-like grip. The author states early that the book is not a biography, which is true. A little background is provided regarding Brown’s rise to prominence, the essence of the book is the double dealing done by the Governor. Each chapter builds a case for reassessing the second eight years served by Governor Brown. The financial bottom lines of big business outshine the public interest, highlighted in the examples provided by the author. The image of Brown as a environmentalist starts to crumble when his actions are examined, whether it be granting rights to Oil and Gas in hydraulic fracturing or disregarding the dangers involved in toxic dumping. When bureaucrats resisted business’ advances, Brown sacked the hesitant official and appointed more pliable personnel.
THE WIZARD OF SACRAMENTO is not flattering by any means, but also is not a polemic. The research is footnoted for the reader to do further reading after the last of the revelations. This book can be read and enjoyed alongside the pioneering work of investigative journalists like Wayne Barrett, Mike Royko, David Cay Johnston and others.
THE WIZARD OF SACRAMENTO by William Smithers is a brief but powerful tome bringing to light murky events and legislation of four term Governor Jerry Brown and a pithy political post-mortem and an alternative history to what mainstream publications may have glossed over in assessing the Governor’s recently concluded reign. A must read for political junkies.
~Philip Zozzaro for IndieReader