(Image Credit: IMAGN) California Gov. Gavin Newsom goes into the spin room at the Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
Sacramento, California – In an unexpected move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has sent out prepaid burner phones to roughly 100 top executives at state-headquartered companies. These phones, often used for confidential communications and known for their anonymity, are programmed with Newsom’s personal contact information, and accompanied by a handwritten note reading, “If you ever need anything, I’m a phone call away.”
The initiative, reported by Politico, is the governor’s latest effort to maintain and strengthen California’s competitive edge, particularly within the business sector. The burner phones have already sparked a range of reactions, with some surprised by the personal touch, especially given that Newsom’s direct contact information is already widely known within the business community. A representative for the governor explained that the move was designed to foster more “valuable interactions,” signaling Newsom’s commitment to working closely with California’s corporate leaders.
This unusual step may come as a surprise to some, given Newsom’s already established reputation as a frequent texter and well-connected figure in the business world. He has long been seen as someone more aligned with corporate interests than with the legislative branch, which can sometimes seem like the more cautious, rule-abiding counterpoint to Silicon Valley’s freewheeling spirit.
Newsom’s office has said the initiative is all about keeping California competitive, especially as other states and countries continue to make aggressive moves to attract major corporations. “We need to ensure California remains at the forefront of innovation and economic growth,” the representative explained, underscoring that this is part of a broader strategy to keep the state a top destination for tech companies and business investment.
Interestingly, the cost of these burner phones, as well as other gubernatorial expenses such as foreign travel, is being funded by the California Protocol Foundation, an organization that relies on donations from businesses and nonprofits to cover such costs. This means taxpayers won’t be footing the bill for Newsom’s latest outreach effort. Some of the money also came from leftover funds from Newsom’s inauguration account, which was itself bolstered by contributions from business interests.
While it may seem like an unconventional move, the governor’s direct engagement with corporate leaders through this personal and discreet method signals that Newsom is serious about keeping the lines of communication open with California’s business giants. Whether these burner phones will lead to more meaningful collaboration or just another example of high-level networking remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Newsom is not backing down from his mission to keep California competitive in the ever-evolving global economy.
