Brown: Fallen Officers Give Example In Tough Times

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown said Tuesday that the 11 California police officers, sheriff's deputies and Highway Patrol officers who died in the line of duty last year exemplify a spirit and dedication to the state that should inspire lawmakers trying to crack the current budget impasse.

Brown made the remarks at the 34th annual California Police Chiefs Association meeting, where the fallen officers were remembered in a ceremony attended by 200 police chiefs from around the state. His speech was to be followed by a tribute to the officers and a concert including performances by a choir of local high school students.

During a brief speech, Brown touched on the budget stalemate in Sacramento, where he's trying to get support for a plan that would include $12.5 billion in spending cuts.

The state faces a $26.6 billion deficit and Brown wants lawmakers to pass a budget by mid-March so he can call a special election in June to extend increases in the sales, income and vehicle taxes another five years. The taxes and a series of fee increases would bring in an estimated $12 billion.

The governor told the police chiefs that partisan bickering and an erosion of public confidence in elected officials -- particularly the legislature -- has made it challenging to have the courage to do what is best for the state. Brown exhorted his listeners to "imbibe the spirit of the fallen officers" and talked about a "philosophy of loyalty" that requires public servants to put the welfare of the state ahead of partisan concerns.

Republicans have steadfastly said they will refuse to place a tax measure on the ballot, while many Democrats have balked at Brown's proposed deep cuts to social programs

"Everyone in this room is a part of government and government is not held in high esteem. So what we have to do is act in such a way that we set the example, that we inspire, we make it so that people want to do what's right and that's what these fallen officers exemplify -- they gave their lives," Brown said. "With that level of seriousness we should be able to attack these issues of tax extensions, realignment and living with the reduced revenues that the economy makes available."

He also asked those present to support his plans to put the tax extension to voters in June and warned that police departments could suffer even more if it doesn't pass.

"Whatever problem you've got, just multiply by two and that's where we're going," Brown said.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)