[Ed. note] The following is a ballot recommendation op-ed submitted to the lbpost.com by Third District Councilmember Gary DeLong and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the lbpost.com.
7:00pm | A YES vote on Measure D creates a more transparent, fair and reliable funding method for the Harbor Department (Port of Long Beach) to help keep our coastal areas clean and safe.
The Harbor Department currently uses a formula which can vary dramatically from year to year. Measure D simplifies the formula and allows the transfer of up to 5% of Harbor gross operating revenues to improve our beaches and coastal areas. Measure D also clarifies that oil operations are the responsibility of the Long Beach Gas and Oil Department, which currently manages daily oil operations.
The Harbor Department is part of the City of Long Beach, and while their primary mission is to provide a world-class port, they also have a responsibility to the community. Harbor dollars are essential for improving and cleaning our beaches, providing lifeguards and beach security, improving the environmental sustainability of our City, and funding critical infrastructure needs.
Without these funds, we would have fewer lifeguards on our beaches, no Jr Lifeguard program, the beach restrooms would not be in the process of being updated, and the City would not have been able to invest in grates on our storm drains to prevent debris from ending up on our beaches and improve our environment.
Among the organizations opposed to Measure D are: the Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce, Los Angeles Customs Brokers and the Propeller Club of Los Angeles. These organizations represent business interests and I respect the position they’ve taken.
However, as a Councilmember for the City of Long Beach, I must balance business interests with what is best for Long Beach residents. Based on the change in accounting methods, it is true that the Port contribution to the Tidelands area will likely increase by approximately $1 to $1.5 million annually. However, this figure is less than 1% of the Port’s Net Income (approximately $120 million last year and $180 million the year before) and will not cause any negative impact on the Port’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.
Measure D is a simpler funding method that preserves the Harbor Department’s responsibility to make Long Beach a better place for both our residents and international trade.
Please vote YES on Measure D to provide a consistent funding stream for maintaining and improving our beaches and coastline, and creating a more sustainable City for the next generation.