Gov. Jerry Brown made a rare campaign appearance in Southern California Tuesday just one week from a possible re-election to an unprecedented fourth term.
Brown had three events in the Los Angeles area during which he defended his decision to appear a court ruling over teacher tenure and promote a drought-prevention plan.
"I would say it is pretty clear what our challenges are up ahead, particularly just dealing with our water and drought crisis," Brown said. "That will be enough to keep me busy if the people send me back."
Polls have Brown with such a comfortable lead that most of his time has been spent on behalf of Proposition 1, a water bond for conservation and water storage to prepare for future droughts, and Proposition 2, somewhat of a rainy day fund.
"Save water, save money, vote (Prop) 1 and 2," Brown said.
Republican opponent Neel Kashkari said he plans to vote for Prop 1 and 2, but will challenge Brown's other moves.
Kashkari is slated to release a new campaign ad focusing attention on Brown's effort in support of the California Teachers Associations.
Brown is appealing an LA County judge's decision in the so called Vergara case which invalidated lifetime teacher tenure and the seniority system, saying both robbed students of a right to an education.
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"Brown had a choice: fight for the unions or fight for the kids," Kashkari said. "He betrayed the kids and is fighting for those unions."
Brown countered and said schools cannot "fire their way to excellence."
"If you just go find lots of teachers here and fire them, all of a sudden all the other teachers work harder and everybody gets a better teacher," Brown said. "We have a big problem that 10 percent of the teachers don't come back."
