Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill by Assemblywoman Nora Campos that would have given employee unions the power to choose half of all civil service commissions.

The bill was sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a major union representing government workers.

In comments contained in the legislative analyst report, Campos -- a former San Jose City Council member who has long championed union interests -- said that the bill "would ensure that the commissions will be more balanced and fair." The commissions weigh disputes over personnel issues in government agencies.

Critics said the bill would amplify what they already consider to be excessive public employee union influence over government.

Brown said in a veto message that "this measure seeks to impose a level of state control that is inconsistent with my administration's efforts to realign state services and to increase local control. Concerns relating to specific commissions should be addressed on a case-by-case basis at the local level."

Campos had no immediate comment about the governor's veto.