Don't like what's going on in Sacramento? These are the people to blame

Stop complaining about state government and start putting pressure on the people who make the decisions -- the so-called "Big Five." If you want changes, write, phone or email these leaders who call the shots in Sacramento:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Assembly Speaker Fabián Núñez of Los Angeles
Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines of Clovis
Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata of Oakland

Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman of Irvine.

My column today even offers you a sample letter that you might write to the governor and legislative leaders.

Here's the sample letter:

Dear Big Five Member:
As a California resident concerned about the lack of action on the state's most serious problems, I'm asking you to put aside your coziness with special interests and your loyalty to your political party.

The problems in this state are not Democratic problems or Republican problems. They are problems that citizens must deal with every day, and things don't seem to be getting better in California.

Our public schools are crowded, our children aren't performing well and their teachers complain about spending more time testing than teaching.

When I drive to Los Angeles, the freeways are like parking lots and they are so beat up that I'm sure I will need an alignment on my car when I finally get there.

My children have asthma, and it is especially bad during the summer. The Valley air district just delayed cleaning up our air for another decade. My children will be adults before government helps them breathe clean air.

My daughter had an asthma attack and we went to the emergency room. We sat there for hours behind dozens of others needing medical attention. The nurse said it was because the state won't solve the health-care crisis.

A police officer told me that prison overcrowding will force the state to release felons back into my neighborhood because the Legislature won't deal with the prison crisis.

The parks we used to go to aren't being maintained anymore. I was told it's because government has to make cuts to pay for the pension increases and other goodies you've given public employee unions.

Then I hear you folks figured out how to get your expense checks even when you're on holiday. I don't have an expense account and the two jobs I'm working at barely pay all my bills.

I wish you were in my shoes just once. Then maybe you'd see how playing politician does not help those of us who actually must deal with the problems you ignore.

I have to go back to work now. Thanks for listening.

Sincerely, Your loyal constituent.