One way for a state to start to solve its problems is to become a little less partisan. Too often politicians are cornered by their party label and have trouble looking beyond that for solutions. This is especially true in some of the biggest issues of our time: education, budgetary matters, fiscal controls, and investing for our future.
One way for California to make lawmaking more optimal that is to make all races for office non-partisan. That means that no party label (like "Democrat" or "Republican") will be allowed n the ballot. That way races become more competitive and the people will look to solve problems more rather than be anchored by their party.
This isn't the be-all end-all solution. California cities (which generally do not let candidates declare their party on the ballot) are not the panacea of collaboration and success ... But with all the party pressure state-wide, having office-holders be a tad less partisan might be a big plus.
A Summation food for thought ...
