Jerry Brown may have upset more than a few California lawmakers with his recent comments on upcoming vetoes, but he gets points for softening the blow with those infamous sound bytes we've come to love so much.
"I'm going to veto a lot of bills over the next 30 days," the governor told reporters at a school event Wednesday. "So I have to say to some, fasten your seat belt, 'cause this is going to be a rough ride. They've given me 600 bills and there's not 600 problems that we need those solutions for."
Although the state Legislature finished its yearly session last week, Brown has already taken a strong position with his veto pen. Just last week, he released 14 veto messages, squashing initiatives like mandatory ski helmets for children and preventing fundamentalists from protesting funerals.
"Not every human problem deserves a law," he said of the helmet bill, sponsored by San Francisco's own Leland Yee (D). "I believe parents have the ability and responsibility to make good choices for their children."
Brown's fearless use of his veto power has drawn criticism from pundits across both sides of the aisle. Though he signed a widely-praised Internet sales tax bill (much to the chagrin of online retail powerhouses like Amazon) and approved a national popular vote measure, he's also made controversial decisions like blocking an initiative to reform the state's adult health care program.
The governor remained mum during Wednesday's appearance as to which particular bills he planned to eliminate next, but he topped off his response with another delightful snippet. ""You'll hear soon enough," he said. "I think they'll be playing the veto blues before we're finished."
At the very least, reporters can thank him for his colorful quotes.