This is a setback for opponents of high speed rail. Diridon's arrogance and inability to control his mouth helped create the organized opposition to HSR. His huge ego combined with a minimal IQ made him the most effective symbol of the inept group behind HSR.

How long do you think it will be until the first press release announcing his appointment as a highly compensated lobbyist for the foreign rail car builders eager to sell us billions of worthless hardware?

I hope the California press will monitor any future association Mr. Diridon may have as a lobbyist for rail car builders.

That would be just as despicable as Michael Chertoff's role in getting the TSA to purchase body scanners.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no shortage of people who will gladly bankrupt the public for their personal gain.

Diridon is prohibited by law from lobbying HSR until 2012

Peter:

Are the prohibitions on lobbying you mention similar to the prohibitions on free first class international trips paid for by HSR suppliers?

Sections 87401 and 87402 – The state “permanent ban” prohibits former state officials from being paid to appear or advise others in a proceeding involving specific parties (e.g., a lawsuit, administrative law judge hearing, or a state contract) in which the official previously participated. (See Sections 87401-87402; Regulation 18741.1.)

Section 87406 – The state “one-year ban” prohibits certain state officials, for one year after leaving state service, from being paid to represent other persons before their former agency for the purpose of influencing the agency’s decisions in specified legislative or administrative actions or other actions involving the issuance, amendment, awarding, or revocation of a permit, license, grant, or contract, or the sale or purchase of goods or property. (See Section 87406; Regulation 18746.1.)

The one-year ban applies to appearances and communications made within 12 months of permanently leaving state office or employment. An appearance or communication includes all of the following:
 Conversing by telephone or in person.
 Corresponding in writing or by electronic communication.
 Attending a meeting.
 Delivering or sending any communication. (Regulation 18746.2.)

An appearance or communication is prohibited only if the former official is compensated, or promised compensation. (Regulation 18746.1(b)(3).) “Compensation” has been defined broadly to include “remuneration or payment of any kind.” (Souza Advice Letter, No. A-06-114.) “Payment” is defined by the Act to mean a “payment, distribution, transfer, loan, advance, deposit, gift or other rendering of money, property, services or anything else of value, whether tangible or intangible.” (Section 82044.)