State legislators of both parties have voted to audit First 5 in the interests of good and honest government, while the Sacramento District Attorney is seriously considering action separately.  And despite broad agreement in the State that Reiner lead the First 5 committee to do imporper and/or illegal things, our Governor Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenager still hasn’t done anything to replace Reiner, who’s term in office expired long ago and is serving at the pleasure of the Governor who could replace him with a signature at any time.  Here’s a selection of quotes from the LA Times article on the recent developments :

A state commission founded by Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner is facing increased state scrutiny after lawmakers Wednesday approved a broad audit of the panel’s spending.

At the same time, the Sacramento County district attorney is reviewing a separate request for an investigation of the First 5 California Children and Families Commission.

…

Seeking the audit, Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) and Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) cited press reports that First 5 spent $23 million in tax money on ads touting the benefits of preschool as Reiner was launching an initiative to fund preschool for 4-year-olds.

…

The audit "isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a good-government issue," said Frommer, who is running for state controller in the June primary election.

…

"The timing of these ads, as well as the less than scrupulous relationship between Mr. Reiner and his consultants, violates the spirit if not the letter of the law," Cox said.

Gov. Schwarzenager’s lack of action here is not just frustrating, it is also puzzling.  Perhaps I am missing something but I fail to see any reason to keep Reiner on the First 5 Commission when both political parties are opposed to his actions.  One is lead to suspect because there is nothing else publicly known to explain it that maybe there is some sort of personal relationship or deal in play.    Or maybe he’s just too beaten by the results of the special election to want to take any sort of lead.  Maybe he actually wants to lose the election and go back to private life, but not look like a quitter.  Maybe, maybe… it would sure be nice if he poked up and settled the matter by making a publicly explained decision on the matter.

But he isn’t doing that, and with this and other moves or lack of them recently the Governor seems intent on making his re-election bid hopeless.  I guess we’ll see.