Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report on Jerry Brown's performance as California governor
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(California) Brown talks about setting up limits. He is holding state budget firmly. He's trimmed government programs, fired workers and hasn't raised taxes. [BROWN - says he holds reins on budget because he's cheap.] [Editor "California Journal" Ed SALZMAN - says Brown takes attitude that new programs and solution not needed.] Brown won passage of bill giving farm workers bargaining rights and secret ballot in union elections. Growers and conservative Democrats blocked funds to implement bill. Cesar Chavez trying to get measure on California ballot, asking voters to restore funds. Brown says he'll refuse more money for adult education and questions state University system. Brown uncommitted on bill to protect California coast from overdevelopment. He also is uncommitted with regard to regulating nuclear safety systems. [Democrat state senate Anthony BEILENSON - says Brown popular (like Carter) because he doesn't take specific stand on issues. ] Brown also reserves most decision-making to self. Brown is still more popular in California than ex-govs. Ronald Reagan and Pat Brown, his father. [Ex-mayor San Francisco Joseph ALIOTO - notes Brown's differences from usual political, but says Brown knows the art of old pols.] [BROWN - asks for help to go to DC.] Brown's sister says he wanted to be president at 6 years old.
REPORTER: Murray Fromson