California librarians irked by governor’s appointment

California librarians irked by governor’s appointment 
Cal Coast News: 3.26.2014

California Governor Jerry Brown appointed a politically connected journalist to the position of state librarian, frustrating librarians across California. [LA Times]

“A former reporter? What the hell? said Librarians’ Guild President Roy B. Stone. “I’m tired of political appointments everywhere you go for everything.”

California Education Code states that the state librarian should be a technically trained librarian.

Brown’s appointment, Greg Lucas, formerly reported on politics for the San Francisco Chronicle. Since 2011, he has served as the senior editor for Sacramento website Capitol Weekly. He also writes and edits for California’s Capitol, a website he created.

Lucas, 55, is the son of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Malcolm Lucas and the husband of Donna Lucas, a political strategist and former top aide for governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Deukmejian.

The state librarian receives $142,968 annually. Job duties include overseeing the State Library, collecting and preserving historical items and providing technical and financial assistance to local libraries.

Lucas must receive senate confirmation to secure the position.