In an effort to further establish a bipartisan Cabinet, Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Wednesday the appointment of Democrat Sunne Wright McPeak as his Business, Transportation and Housing secretary and conservationist Terry Tamminen as secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Although the vast majority of the appointments so far to the new administration have been Republicans, with Wednesday's action Schwarzenegger has named Democrats or independents to four critical posts.
There were also Republicans named to top posts – including James Branham, a former executive with Pacific Lumber, as EPA undersecretary and Maureen Gorsen, a former member of Gov. Pete Wilson's administration, as the EPA's deputy secretary.
Assembling such a diverse group may prove problematic for the governor, but some also believe an eclectic Cabinet may fit Schwarzenegger.
"I find the appointments impressive," said Tim Hodson, executive director of the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento. "He's fulfilling what he said about himself in the campaign – that he wanted to be the governor for all California; that he was a fiscal conservative but also pro-choice and pro-environment."
Others, however, warn that the clash of opinions can only lead to disappointment. "Someone's expectations are going to be dashed," said Carl Zichella, regional staff director of the California Sierra Club.
Gorsen, a partner in a Los Angeles-based law firm who served as general counsel for the California Resources Agency under Wilson, criticized the Davis administration for not allowing dissent.
"I think one of their big failures is that they didn't allow criticism," she said. "A lot of departments had a clamp put on them."
McPeak, 55, served 15 years on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and was a rising star of the Democratic Party during the 1980s and expected to run for statewide office.
For the last six years she has been chief executive officer of the Bay Area Council, a business-sponsored advocacy group engaged in public policies ranging from environmental regulation to transportation. Davis also appointed her to the California Power Authority.
Tamminen, 51, brings significant environmental credentials to his position, Zichella said. Founder of Santa Monica Baykeeper and its executive director for six years, Tamminen also co-founded Waterkeeper programs in San Diego, Orange County, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Most recently he was executive director of Environment Now, which Mary Nichols – Davis' resources secretary – also led before joining his staff.
"We are very positive about Terry," said Zichella. "He's a real environmentalist and has made a career in this field."
Branham, 48, had held staff positions in the state Senate, as undersecretary for California Resources Agency and chief deputy director to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Schwarzenegger also named Michael Genest as chief deputy director for the budget, David Harper as deputy director of legislation and H.D. Palmer as deputy director for external affairs for the Department of Finance – all three veteran Republican staffers with ties to Senate Republican leadership.
The appointments come one day after Davis released a list of 187 jobs he has filled with friends and former staff members. Many of the Davis appointments can be reversed by the incoming administration except those named to judgeships in various superior courts.
Karen Hanretty, spokeswoman for Schwarzenegger, said he is still evaluating the list of Davis appointees and has made no decision if any of them will be removed.
One Davis appointment that will not be reversed is Nancy McFadden's to the California Medical Assistance Commission. Senate President Pro Tem John Burton announced Wednesday that the Senate Rules Committee – which Burton chairs – had approved McFadden's appointment to the $99,000 a year position.
Two other top Davis appointees – appointment secretary Michael Yamaki and chief of staff Lynn Schenk – have also been appointed to the Medical Assistance Commission, but their appointments could be reversed, officials said.
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