11:15am | Editor’s note: In case you missed it in our July print edition, the Long Beach Post is sharing its monthly “Five Questions” online.
Tonia Reyes Uranga, who represented the Seventh District on the Long Beach City Council from 2002 to 2010, is vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens Long Beach.
Allison: What, in your opinion, is the No. 1 worst decision in the city’s history?
Tonia: Picking one is the most difficult, but I would say redevelopment’s focus on trade and tourism and technology without taking the high road, which resulted in low-wage jobs in the hospitality industry, which is a large contributor to poverty in the city.
Honorable mention: The elimination/downsizing of the Utility Users Tax. The citizens of Long Beach were led to believe that cutting a few bucks on refuse, sewer and water would save them money when the result … was an immediate $35 million dollar hole from which the city has not been able to recover.
Allison: What is the worst policy decision made in Long Beach in the last 10 years?
Tonia: Not to extend term limits and allow a third term for the Council. This has resulted in a chess game on the Council, especially in the First and Second districts, where you have … a history of special elections seeing council representatives … elected by an extremely small majority of the electorate … . This has caused some representatives to look beyond what is good for Long Beach and toward what is good for their next office.
Honorable Mention: Allowing City Council to redistrict their own council lines and not having residents decide.
Allison: In what area(s) do you believe the city is excelling (making the best decisions)?
Tonia: Non-city manager departments like Water and the Port of Long Beach have done well without the yoke of the mayor or city manager’s immediate involvement.
Allison: What, in your opinion, is the No. 1 best decision in the city’s history?
Tonia: District elections have contributed to a city where neighborhoods voices are being heard, an increase in public participation in the democratic process and providing for diversity in representation.
Allison: What is the best policy decision made in Long Beach in the last 10 years?
Tonia: The Green Port Policy has put an emphasis on promoting a healthy community while allowing for the port to grow. The port has quit denying the fact they contribute to the poor health in our city and have begun being a leader in the world for green and clean ports.
Honorable mention: Council’s increased focus on infrastructure.