Politics can be interesting, entertaining and often disappointing. As a city, I sense that we crave something more from our politicians…..more inspiration, more direction, more vision. We have some great elected officials in both the Statehouse and at City Hall, however I often ask myself this question- Where are we going?
What kind of city do we want to become and who is going to lead us there? I am tired of playing second cousin to Los Angeles. We are the 5th largest city in California and a damn great town with a diverse and passionate population.
So…..when I get down on Long Beach politics, I think of Councilmember Suja Lowenthal to pick me up. She is refreshing, genuine and makes me believe that there is a brighter future for Long Beach. I may not agree with every position she takes (I agree with most of them), but it is clear to me that she wants to move us forward. I respect and admire that.
She along with our other newly elected leaders- Mayor Foster and Councilmembers DeLong and Schipske have some big fights ahead. Here’s one- The Labor Peace Agreement. It’s not over by a long shot. And check this out….here’s a statement that Chamber CEO President Randy Gordon just sent out-
“The Labor Ordinance recently passed by the Long Beach City Council is not good for Long Beach businesses, the taxpayers or the working people of the City. The Ordinance is a ploy to impose a union on the hotels on city property in the name of “labor peace” even though hotel operations at non-Union hotels in Long Beach have not been disrupted for more than 30 years. The Ordinance is certain to discourage further hotel development in Long Beach and is an infringement on the existing hotel contracts between the City of Long Beach and the current hotel owners. In fact, the City will likely be forced to defend the Ordinance in court at a substantial cost to the taxpayers that could be better spent on vital city services or economic development of Long Beach. The Ordinance gives unions the power to limit free speech rights and the power to deprive hotel workers of the protection of an election under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act to choose whether they want to be in a union.”
Oh boy….this is going to be fun…