CGS-authored
Robert Klein II is arguably the most powerful unelected official in California today. Yet as he tries to consolidate control of the state's $3 billion stem cell research institute, many of his early supporters are rebelling against his autocratic ways.
The ongoing revolt, which produced some high drama at an institute subcommittee on Monday, could determine the fate of stem cell research in California. If Klein wins, he will have unchallenged authority over $3 billion in taxpayer funds. If he cedes some power, there is a better chance this institute will gain some credibility on the cutting edge of science.
At Monday's meeting, Klein, in his usual fashion, tried to micromanage the deliberations of a powerful group of thinkers. The gathering was the first session of the institute's legislative subcommittee, which includes distinguished physicians, Ph.D.s and patient advocates appointed to the institute's 29-member oversight board. The subcommittee was formed in response to Sen. Deborah Ortiz's attempts to reform Proposition 71, the Klein-penned ballot measure that created the institute.
Klein arrived at the teleconference meeting Monday with a list of policy...
The ongoing revolt, which produced some high drama at an institute subcommittee on Monday, could determine the fate of stem cell research in California. If Klein wins, he will have unchallenged authority over $3 billion in taxpayer funds. If he cedes some power, there is a better chance this institute will gain some credibility on the cutting edge of science.
At Monday's meeting, Klein, in his usual fashion, tried to micromanage the deliberations of a powerful group of thinkers. The gathering was the first session of the institute's legislative subcommittee, which includes distinguished physicians, Ph.D.s and patient advocates appointed to the institute's 29-member oversight board. The subcommittee was formed in response to Sen. Deborah Ortiz's attempts to reform Proposition 71, the Klein-penned ballot measure that created the institute.
Klein arrived at the teleconference meeting Monday with a list of policy...