Election Follow-up
A number of critical races all went down to the wire this year. Barring litigation reversals, Mayor Dick Murphy will serve a second term.
Critically, Proposition A, commonly known as TransNet, passed with just over the required two-thirds vote. This means that badly needed revenue will continue to be available as we look to address our region’s mounting transportation problems.
Strong Mayor Muscles Its Way to Victory
In another close race, Proposition F narrowly passed with just over the required 50 percent of the vote. This measure, which was endorsed by a number of business groups including your Chamber, will amend the city charter to create a mayor-council (strong mayor) form of government.
Over the next five years, on a trial basis, the mayor will wield more influence—and be held more accountable—than ever before. With so much currently at stake at City Hall, we need strong, solid leadership now more than ever before.
Now What?
With the election results finally in, pending any additional litigation, it is time to get to work. Your Chamber has developed a post-election plan with regard to public policy issues important to the San Diego region 2005. The plan takes into consideration issues highlighted during the meetings to update the Chamber’s strategic plan and includes housing, pension reform, open government, creation of special budget committees and a business summit to discuss the true state of the region and the city.
The Chamber staff may add additional city and county issues if they are deemed necessary. Look for more on this in the coming weeks.
Prop. 72 Was Bad Medicine
Fortunately, Proposition 72 (Healthcare Coverage Requirements) failed to pass on November 2. This Proposition was bad medicine for businesses and their employees. It would have created a $5.3 billion tax on employers and a $1.7 billion tax on employees, who would have been forced to pay their share of healthcare costs even if they could not afford it.
While the Chamber recognizes the importance of examining healthcare issues in order to improve access and quality of care and to contain healthcare costs, we cannot support measures that place unfair and burdensome mandates on California employers.
Proposition 72 was not a healthcare cure for California’s businesses and workers. For example, the California Restaurant Association recently projected that 20 percent of all restaurants in the state might have gone out of business if Proposition 72 had passed. The cost of doing business in California must be contained or we risk losing companies and jobs to neighboring states that are more than eager to take away our business.
Chamber Annual Dinner Reminder (Jan. 18, 2005)
The Chamber’s 134th Annual Dinner will be held on
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. This truly is the business event of the year in San Diego with over 1,000 business and elected leaders expected to attend. This year’s program will feature an expanded networking reception and a shorter program. Be sure to reserve your table now for this can’t-miss annual event!
Nominating Committee Update
It is a reflection of the Chamber's stature that so many qualified candidates are interested in serving on the Board of Directors each year. It creates a wonderful “problem” for our Nominating Committee. Each nominee is given full consideration and elected by secret ballot.
This year’s nominees who are elected by the general membership will serve for the January 2005 – December 2006 term. Kudos to Mr. Klein and the Nominating Committee: your efforts will again ensure that we have the highest caliber Board of Directors.
Preparing to Sign Off
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chairman this past year. Incoming Chairman Mike Murphy will take over on January 1, 2005 – and the San Diego commercial community is in great hands with Mike at the helm.
Over the past year, the Chamber has continued to be the most dynamic and aggressive business organization in San Diego. The strength of our great city lies in its can-do-business attitude and sense of community created by the vast cadre of volunteers who are committed to improving our region at every possible opportunity. In addition, the Chamber’s staff – to a person – through their hard work and intellect, REALLY made this a great and successful year. Jessie, you and your team do us all proud!
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in 2004. I hope I have helped move our agenda forward. Please commit to continuing your participation in YOUR Chamber. Together we can and will achieve our goals!