California, After The Recall

As Arnold Schwarzenegger steps into the governor's office, the folks at California's Office of State Publishing are waiting to see how his administration will affect them.

By Bob Neubauer

The arrival of a new governor can be a source of tension for a state printing operation. For one thing, most people serving in the roll of state printer were appointed by the previous governor and stand to be replaced by the new one. For another, a new governor may have different views about the future of the state printing operation.

So just imagine how secure you would feel if your new governor was often nicknamed "The Terminator."

As Arnold Schwarzenegger takes office in Sacramento and tries his hand at untangling California's fiscal and forest-fire-related woes, a few blocks away the Office of State Publishing (OSP) is preparing to serve the needs of the actor-turned-politician.

How different will life at OSP really be with Governor Schwarzenegger running the state? Geoff Brandt, Interim State Printer, does not expect any drastic changes, at least not right away. As the man who stands to lose his position if the new governor so chooses, Brandt says he is more worried about the continuing impact of California's notorious budget crisis.

Though OSP retained its number three ranking in the 2003 IPG Top 50, the 416-employee operation endured a difficult year. Customers, their budgets slashed, bought less printing, which reduced print orders to OSP by 35 percent.

"We're finding the work load is dropping off dramatically during this fiscal year," notes Brandt. He expects things to get even tighter next year.

Though OSP's sales declined only about 2 percent (or $1.63 million) from 2002, the operation has 37 fewer full-time employees than a year ago, according to figures supplied to IPG.

OSP has produced a formal business plan and identified its core competencies, and it has prepared itself for downsizing should that become necessary. But with 153 years of business behind it, the in-plant doesn't feel it's been marked for termination just yet.

Similarly, Brandt is not yet concerned about the new governor replacing him.

"He's got over 4,000 appointments to make," he noted. It will take Schwarzenegger a long time to get to OSP, Brandt figures.

Besides, the new governor will have his hands quite full right off the bat putting together the state's budget, which OSP will have to print and deliver by January. Typically the budget planning process starts in the summer, Brandt says. He imagines this delay will affect OSP because it will have less time than usual to print the budget.

Guy Blair, OSP administration manager, feels that some of the printing work that usually accompanies a new governor—such as redesigned stationery and business cards—may not occur, as Schwarzenegger might prefer frugality in deference to the fiscal crisis.

An In-plant Rarity

California's OSP is one of only a handful of in-plants running web presses. In addition to some older Hantscho webs, OSP operates an eight-unit Heidelberg M-1000 MV, using it to print voter pamphlets, income tax forms, motor vehicle books, newsletters and more.

The operation is also looking to add a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster to replace an aging five-color press. The new press will give OSP the ability to move into higher-end work.

For several years OSP has been discussing the possibility of moving to a new location. Sacramento had once planned a light rail route right through its facility, but even if that doesn't happen, Brandt feels the age and condition of the current facility may require a relocation in three to five years.

Before that can happen tough decisions must be made about OSP's future roll. If it is to remain the California government's main printer, it will need a facility large enough to house its web presses. Moving them promises to be a lot of work.

For now, Brandt and his team are waiting to see what direction Governor Schwarzenegger takes the state, and what plans he may have for them. IPG

Despite the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as California's new governor, Interim State Printer Geoff Brandt (right) does not expect any major changes to come immediately to his 416-employee operation, though the new governor may eventually appoint someone to replace him.