It’s been a big week for Long Beach political junkies. We have the 6th District Council race in full swing and big news on the Labor Peace Ordinance. There are also plenty of elections coming up including a Charter Amendment special election and the race to replace Assemblymember Betty Karnette.
In the 54th Assembly race, it looks like the Democrats will have three major candidates to choose from- Councilmember Tonia Reyes-Uranga, Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell or businessman Jim Brandt. I hear some interesting news from the Republicans and who some possible candidates might be…more on them in a future post.
This week of course, Mayor Foster’s endorsement of Al Austin for the 6th District and the success of the Hospitality Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce in putting Labor Peace on the ballot, are making the big headlines.
Below I’ve got statements from Randy Gordon (Chamber President) and community activist Annie Greenfeld-Wisner (Lilian Parker for 6th District supporter). Both are news-worthy.
“The Chamber has learned that we have been successful in collaborating to bring choice to Long Beach consumers to the ballot box. The fact alone that we have been successful in gathering enough signatures for this measure is a triumph over the special interests that were behind the Long Beach City Council’s proposed ordinance. The people will decide the fate of the so-called ‘Labor Peace’ ordinance implemented by the City Council.
On behalf of Long Beach Hospitality Alliance, we are proud of the overwhelming support we have received from the Long Beach community. Nearly 36,000 signatures from Long Beach residents were collected and submitted to the city — residents who oppose this discriminatory “Labor Peace” ordinance.
The Council’s actions spurred residents and businesses alike to come together to put an end to this unfair and unnecessary law that was passed by the City Council. It was legislation adopted in response to pressure by outside special interests, not in the interest of good public policy. We hope the City Council will respond to the will of the Long Beach residents and rescind this discriminatory legislation.”
– Randy Gordon, President and CEO, Long Beach Chamber
It is not unusual that councilmembers endorse candidates. There should be a law against it, but when it comes to the mayor’s endorsement, it should be “hands off”, especially when the mayor is handling the day-to-day business of the 6th district. Even Mayor O’Neill did not endorse anyone for the 2nd district race while she was handling the day-to-day business of that district.
This questionable behavior comes as councilmembers are asking for more pay, a third term by eliminating current term limits, giving the mayor stronger veto power, and other demands that the council claim are necessary to deal with city business.
The other item is the idea of ethical behavior. That first came into question as the Mayor maintained all activities in that councilmanic district office until after the special election could be held. Mr. Austin stood in a packed Wrigley audience last Monday stating he was proud of his union endorsements, which translates to another voice bought and paid for on the council. On the heels of this comes the endorsement of Mr. Austin by Mayor Bob Foster. What were you thinking, Mr. Foster? We in the 6th District thought that we had someone watching out for us for a change. A Mayor who cares about our district, not a special interest person. We live in our district and deal with all the issues that go along with it. How can you know what is best for us when you barely know where we are?
There must be trust on the council. There must be trust in our mayor. Constituents, business and the community must be able to depend on their mayor and council members to do what is right when no one is looking.
So democracy needs to wash its hands. Democracy to the highest bidder to further strap our frail community because of union paybacks…….well, that is an ethical problem that should have been placed before an endorsement and putting city hall, together with the 6th district, up for sale to the highest bidder.
– Annie Greenfeld-Wisner