Silicon Valley's antipolitics era may be coming to an end. After forming an ad hoc group of industry leaders to strike down Proposition 211 in California's November elections, Intuit cofounder Tom Proulx (right) saw the wisdom of keeping the group together. The mission of the newly formed California Technology Alliance, says Proulx, "is to give the technology industry a voice in public policy making ... to make our presence known." A more specific political agenda will evolve as members sign on.So far, finding supporters hasn't been difficult. John Doerr of venture capitalist firm Kleiner Perkins and John Chambers of Cisco Systems are among the titans on the board of directors. The group already has a state political action committee and has contributed to several successful Democratic and GOP election campaigns. But Proulx isn't letting these victories go to his head: "We're staying alert and organized," he says. If another 211 rears its ugly head, the tech industry will be ready.
ELECTRIC WORD
Silicon Politics
The Post Office Strikes Again�
