Most Californians have never heard of Peter Detwiler. He was never elected to public office, but the long-time chief consultant for the Senate Governance and Finance Committee has had a bigger impact on the state than the vast majority of elected officials he worked with over decades.

Legislators seldom read the bills they vote on. They count on consultants like Detwiler to read and explain them. The analyses consultants prepare are read more avidly than the bills themselves. The best explain in simple language what the bill does, why it's needed, what it will cost, who's for it, who's against it, and why.

Consultants are crucial to the integrity of the lawmaking enterprise. Detwiler was one of the best. His analyses were always thorough, entertaining and honest. Most important, he pulled no punches, daring to point out flaws in bills authored even by his bosses - influential legislators who had the power to fire him.

Detwiler was a favorite with reporters - myself included. Writing on deadline about a complicated piece of legislation, I could always count on him to explain it in simple terms. Most important, I could trust him "not to pull any punches."

Happy retirement, Peter Detwiler! You've earned it.

Ginger Rutland writes for The Sacramento Bee opinion pages.