Former Governor Pete Wilson kicked off the event that included previous legislative leaders, Republican Jim Brulte and Democrats- Willie Brown, John Burton and current Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.  Wilson, who’s a Republican says there’s no doubt the legislature is more partisan— far different than in years past: 

 “It may have something to do with the fact that when John, Willie and I were all Freshmen assemblymen there was a great deal more drinking in the legislature (laughs)."

On term limits—all agreed— some changes are necessary.  Former Senate President Pro-Tem John Burton weighed in on redistricting and whether to change the way legislative districts are drawn: 

“Redistricting people do not care about, they do not understand and it’s a bogus issue because the press has to write about something.”

The event was put on by the Public Policy Institute of California which has noted in surveys for several years the low approval ratings of the state legislature.