Gray Davis, former governor of California, and Jim Brulte,
former minority leader of state senate, will soon be joining the
ranks of politicians hired by UCLA to teach undergraduate students
public policy.
The two have been appointed Distinguished Policy Fellows by the
School of Public Affairs for the 2005-2006 school year.
Their job as Distinguished Policy Fellows will include teaching
classes, leading discussions, and participating in panels and
lectures.
Davis and Brulte will be joining the ranks of other
ex-politicians who have taught at UCLA, a list that includes
Michael Dukakis, ex-governor of Massachusetts and former
presidential candidate, who currently teaches public policy classes
each winter quarter.
Other politicians who have been a presence in the School of
Public Affairs include former state Assembly Speaker Herb J. Wesson
Jr. and assemblyman Keith Richman.
Officials at the School of Public Affairs say they hope the
appointments will open the lines of communication among students
about issues regarding public policy.
“Part of the mission of the UCLA School of Public Affairs
is to act as a convener and catalyst in public dialogue,”
said Stan Paul, director of communications at the School of Public
Affairs.
Brulte said his experience in government will be a helpful
resource for students because he will be able to provide insights
that many others could not.
“I can provide information on Sacramento, the legislative
process and how government works ““ not the textbook version,
but the real-world version,” he said.
Paul said Davis’ and Brulte’s experience in state
government will be valuable information for students.
“Both have many years in state government and can share
that experience on issues relevant to California,” Paul
said.
The appointment of two Californian politicians from different
parties ““ Brulte representing the Republican point of view
and Davis the Democratic ““ is a unique opportunity for
students, Brulte said.
“Davis and I will be able to bring to students two
different points of view on a very tumultuous period of California
history,” Brulte said.
Barbara Nelson, dean of the UCLA School of Public Affairs, said
the school is honored to have the two politicians agree to
participate in the Distinguished Policy Fellows program.
“We are honored to have two state leaders who understand
the workings of state government, who have experienced the ups and
downs of political life, and who share a dedication to a better
future for the state of California,” Nelson said.
While working for the school, Davis and Brulte plan to take part
in a panel discussion about the upcoming statewide special
election.
There will be a pre-election discussion on Nov. 3, as well as a
post-election discussion on Nov. 17 to discuss the outcomes and
consequences.