How Matt Mahan Thinks He Can Save California

California's dysfunction is the focus, with Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose and candidate for governor, outlining the state's critical issues. He points to a lack of accountability in government spending, exemplified by the $14 billion spent on a high-speed rail project that has yet to deliver results. Mahan argues that the state's problems stem from a broken incentive system that rewards performative politics over tangible outcomes. He advocates for setting public goals, measuring performance, and auditing existing programs to ensure taxpayer money is used effectively. Mahan also addresses the housing crisis, attributing it to over-regulation and the influence of special interests, particularly trial lawyers, who exploit construction defect liability.