Photo by Ryan ZumMallen
3:17pm | During his annual State of the County address at the Long Beach Convention Center today, Los Angeles County Supervisor provided updates on improvement projects and stimulus efforts while also announcing his intention to run for re-election in 2012.
Knabe said that anger at the current economic state of the county and state needs to be put to good use.
“As Colin Powell once said, ‘Get mad, then get over it,'” he said, repeatedly referring back to that quote throughout his address. Knabe expressed frustration at the State’s inability to eliminate massive spending deficits, but said that government must turn its attention toward addressing fundamental issues.
Knabe said that his primary mission is getting people back to work, and pointed to the success of his 10,000 Jobs Program that employed some 11,000 adults and 15,000 disadvantaged youth. With the program recently failing to receive funding that would have continued the program.
“Given its overwhelming success, I will continue to advocate for the re-authorization of funds,” he said. “People desperately need jobs and this program made a big difference for thousands of families.”
He also pointed to capital improvement projects such as the Termino Avenue Storm Drain Project and new Long Beach Courthouse. The former is expected to reach completion by November 2011 and the latter should break ground in 2012. Knabe also noted that Long Beach has received $2.5 million in Measure R transportation tax funds and is using the money for street resurfacing and sidewalk improvements.
Knabe represents the Fourth District which encompasses Long Beach and surrounding communities throughout the county. Toward the end of his speech, he announced that he will seek election to a fifth four-year term in the year 2012.
Disclosure: Long Beach Post publisher Shaun Lumachi is a public policy consultant for the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and is under contract with the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.