That’s Debatable:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently dumped brother-in-law Bobby Shriver and actor/director Clint Eastwood from the state parks commission because they helped put the brakes on a toll road through San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County. Some critics say it sent a strong signal that Schwarzenegger expects unconditional loyalty from appointees. Do you think that’s a wrong signal to send, or is it the governor’s prerogative when making political appointments?

There is an old saying among conservatives that “people are policy.” Political leaders who want to advance a consistent set of policies should view every appointment through this lens — to ignore this is to invite policy chaos, with some parts of the administration working against itself. We saw this in the case of the toll road in South Orange County. Schwarzenegger’s mantra regarding infrastructure has been “build it.” The former appointees’ response was “Build it? No way!” They’re now gone.

Chuck DeVore

Assemblyman

R-Newport Beach

As I talk to moms and dads around my district, the one thing they want more of is time. Imagine all the time you could spend at home or at work if it wasn’t for gridlock. I’m glad Schwarzenegger acknowledges that.

The Coastal Commission’s decision has potential to cause further harm to our region’s air quality. Overlooked was the fact that the 241 extension is part of regional air quality mitigation planning. Without it, the region is at risk for violating federal air-quality standards and losing millions of dollars in funding for congestion relief.

The decision undercuts a 20-year, $20 million public environmental review process and is disrespectful to the public who participated.

Van Tran

Assemblyman

R-Costa Mesa

Any appointee is subject for removal by the governor, and rightfully so. If ideologues are not looking at issues in a fair and balanced manner, then they are not serving the people or the governor as they should. They are merely obstructionists.

Extending the toll roads will reduce traffic congestion, not to mention air pollutants, while also providing historic investments to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the San Onofre State Park.

I believe the governor’s action was warranted. It does send a signal, not of loyalty, but of open-mindedness, which is something we have a come to recognize with this governor.

Sen. Tom Harman

(R-Huntington Beach)