Rob Reiner resigns from Children's Commission amid accusations from Republicans

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

March 30, 2006

Rob Reiner resigned yesterday as chairman of the California Children and Families Commission and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed a Southern California social worker to replace him.

Reiner, a Democrat, has come under fire in recent weeks from Republican legislators who accuse him of using commission funds to support his ballot initiative that would raise taxes on wealthy Californians to fund universal preschool.

"We cannot let personal political attacks get in the way of doing the very best we can for California's children,'' Reiner said in his letter of resignation to the governor.

Reiner spoke with Schwarzenegger over the weekend and offered his resignation at that time, according to a statement from the governor's office.

"Rob Reiner has always put California's kids first and I thank him for the great work he has done over the last seven years,'' Schwarzenegger said in the statement. "Because of Rob's efforts, California has become a national leader in providing early childhood health and education services for our youngest children and their families.''

Schwarzenegger appointed Hector Ramirez, currently the vice president and chief operating officer of Para Los Ninos, a non profit social services agency serving poor children and families in Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties, to replace Reiner. Ramirez, 38, is also a Democrat.

"Hector has a longstanding passion for helping children and a demonstrated commitment to giving disadvantaged parents and families the support they so desperately need,'' Schwarzenegger said.

Reiner, a prolific Hollywood actor, producer and director is best known for his role as "Meathead,'' Archie Bunker's liberal son-in law on the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family.''

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