Another very thought-provoking report from the Public Policy Insitute of California.

Thinking about California's future, did you know:

o By 2025, the state will add a population about the size of Ohio. Only 14 percent of Californians believe such growth is good for them and their families.

o California is not likely to have enough college-educated workers to meet the future economy’s demands. A majority (58%) of Californians say the quality of education is a big problem.

o Transportation investment has seriously lagged behind use and population growth. Most state residents (74%) believe traffic conditions will get even worse in the next 20 years.

o Californians’ trust in government to handle major problems is near an all-time low. Only 12 percent have great confidence that state government can plan for growth and the future.

o Most Californians believe that the important decisions about future growth should be made by voters at the ballot box, but only 35 percent of eligible California adults went to the polls in the last statewide election.

With these mega issues to be dealt with, please make sure you are well-prepared when you head to the polls in November to elect leaders who will be willing and able to act.

PPIC recommends you ask yourself these 10 critical questions - and also ask the people who want your vote:

1. What can government do to accommodate huge population growth?

2. Will California have the educated workforce that the new economy will demand?

3. How do we plan for the state’s future in an unequal society?

4. How can we encourage economic development while preserving the environment?

5. If we can’t build our way out of the infrastructure problem, what can we do to fix it?

6. Do we want bigger or smaller government in the future?

7. Is our state government up to the task of future planning?

8. What can we do to make the state’s fiscal system more transparent and accountable>

9. Can we rebuild trust and confidence in our government?

10.Has an exclusive electorate been given the reins of government?

For more background on each question, download the full report. The state of California and its future is in your hands. You owe it to yourself and your family to be informed.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive