Blogs of the LA Area Chamber
All Aboard Measure J
Gary Toebben on October 30, 2012 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
We're speeding toward the future on transportation improvements in L.A. County. The opening of the Orange Line extension to Chatsworth, the construction of the Expo Line to Santa Monica, the Gold Line extension to Azusa, the Crenshaw Transit Corridor project and truck lanes on Interstate 5. Without the passage of Measure R in 2008, none of these projects would have happened as quickly. L.A. County voters passed Measure R to authorize a half-cent sales tax to fund $40 billion in transit and highway projects to relieve congestion, create jobs and improve the environment over 30 years.
L.A.'s Integrity will be Voted on Today
Gary Toebben on October 22, 2012 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
I am often asked what the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce means when we say that the City of Los Angeles needs to be more business friendly. On the City Council's agenda today is a blatant example of why Los Angeles has the reputation of being unfriendly to business. The issue is the Walmart Interim Control Ordinance (ICO).
Stopped Dead on the Runway at LAX
Gary Toebben on October 15, 2012 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Four weeks ago I had a frustrating and embarrassing experience at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that underscores the urgency of modernizing our airport and widening the distance between the two runways on the north airfield.
My wife and I were flying home from a delightful anniversary trip on an Airbus 380 airplane. After we landed on the north airfield, the pilot brought the plane to a dead stop on the active runway for nearly five minutes. The pilot had no other option because there is no taxiway on which to exit an A380, and another plane was approaching the runway to the left over which we had to cross. I felt like the dead skunk in the middle of the road even though I was sure that air traffic control was aware of the situation and had delayed the flights behind us from landing while we sat on an active runway.
My wife and I were flying home from a delightful anniversary trip on an Airbus 380 airplane. After we landed on the north airfield, the pilot brought the plane to a dead stop on the active runway for nearly five minutes. The pilot had no other option because there is no taxiway on which to exit an A380, and another plane was approaching the runway to the left over which we had to cross. I felt like the dead skunk in the middle of the road even though I was sure that air traffic control was aware of the situation and had delayed the flights behind us from landing while we sat on an active runway.
Stand Up for Business on Oct. 17
Gary Toebben on October 9, 2012 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
It is the state of affairs today that elected officials often make their decisions based on who has the loudest voice or the most supporters in the room. In other words, the perceived risk to a political career often trumps economics and good judgment. To be successful in this environment, you cannot merely have the facts on your side, you must show that you can provide political pressure and have civic impact. That is why I am challenging the business community to join us at ACCESS L.A. City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Governor's Signature Sets Up Measure J Vote on Nov. 6
Gary Toebben on October 3, 2012 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Gov. Jerry Brown's signing of AB 1446 (Feuer) this past weekend paved the way for L.A. County voters to cast an historic vote on Nov. 6 in favor of congestion relief, thousands of new jobs and enhanced global competitiveness. Measure J (for Jobs!) will accelerate the projects included in Measure R the half-cent sales tax for transportation that voters approved by a 68 percent margin in 2008. This vote will not increase taxes, but it will extend the current half-cent sales tax an additional 30 years.