A Voter's Guide for Business on June 3
May 13, 2014
by Gary Toebben
The Chamber is an advocate for business growth and jobs for the residents of Los Angeles County. An important part of this advocacy is voting for candidates who share our commitment to creating an environment that will help businesses grow.
To assist our members toward that end, the Chamber sponsors the L.A. Jobs Political Action Committee (PAC), which interviews and endorses candidates. Last year, the L.A. Jobs PAC helped elect six councilmembers to the Los Angeles City Council. On June 3, 2014, voters will go to the polls to make decisions on several highly contested L.A. County races, a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education race and two state ballot measures. We encourage your support for the following recommended candidates and propositions:
Los Angeles County Supervisor, 3rd District – Bobby Shriver
Bobby Shriver's priorities are right for business. His impressive record of success as an entrepreneur shows that he knows how to get things done. He’s committed to attracting capital to invest in L.A. and cutting red tape at the County to streamline regulations that hamper business growth. He did it while on the Santa Monica City Council and he'll do it for the entire County. Shriver's election is critical to maintaining the moderate majority on the Board of Supervisors which has avoided the budget problems faced by other jurisdictions.
Los Angeles County Sheriff – Jim McDonnell
The L.A. County Sheriff's Department needs a robust house cleaning to win back the confidence of the County's residents and it will take a leader with a proven record of implementing reform to do that. The only candidate who meets this standard is Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Chief McDonnell was key to reforming the Los Angeles Police Department when he served as assistant chief under Bill Bratton and he is the only candidate in this race who has been the top cop running a law enforcement organization.
Los Angeles County Assessor – Jeffrey Prang
This County office has also been mired in scandal and needs a trustworthy and experienced public administrator to assess property values for tax purposes. As a West Hollywood City Councilmember for nearly two decades, a former city manager for the City of Pico Rivera and a recent appointment to the leadership team in the Assessor’s office, Prang has the administrative experience and the credibility that this position needs. It will take his experience to turn the page on scandal and upgrade the technology in the Assessor's office to serve the public with integrity.
Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education – Alex Johnson
Our young people and our business community are both dependent on the quality of our schools. Alex Johnson is the right candidate for this year’s special school board election. Johnson is not only a reform-minded candidate, he is a dynamic and inspiring leader. He brings to the table a great mix of public and private sector experience both inside and outside the education arena. His commitment to working with teachers and administrators to dramatically improve our graduation rates is exactly what LAUSD needs.
Yes on Proposition 41 – Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act of 2014.
Through the Chamber's partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles on the Home for Good initiative, we have focused community attention on housing for veterans and the chronically homeless. This proposition would allow $600 million in bonds that voters have already approved to be used to build housing for low income residents, veterans and the homeless.
Yes on Proposition 42 – Public Records. Open Meetings. State Reimbursement to Local Agencies. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
The Chamber has been a strong voice for government reform and transparency. This proposition would ensure that open meeting laws and public records act laws are followed by all local governmental entities.
Supporting these candidates and propositions on June 3 will help grow our economy and create the jobs and tax base that we need to build a better quality of life for all of us.
And that's The Business Perspective.
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