Passing by a single-vote margin of 3-2, the Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners enacted on Monday a policy which bans the use of Harbor Department funds for sponsorships and financial contributions to organizations that have endorsed or opposed Long Beach political candidates.
The initial policy, headed and written by Commissioner Rich Dines, was singularly geared towards nonprofits who offer political endorsements; however, Dines approached the Board with an altered version that included all organizations:
To amend the current sponsorship policy to prohibit sponsorships and donations to organizatons that have opposed or endorsed candidates or measures in any Long Beach municipal election within the last two years, except for sponsorships or fundraisers for 501(c)(3) charitable purposes.
The policy will vastly alter the funds received by local organizations, such as the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, which annually is given large sums of money from the Port.
Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, attempted to convince the Board to vote against the policy during the public speaking period. Emphasizing the harmonious relationship that has long existed between the two entities, he was also forthright in his dissension about the policy.
“I strongly believe that the Port’s involvement in the Chamber as a member is beneficial and that this relationship should continue in place for the foreseeable future,” Gordon said. “I’d like to encourage you to vote ‘No’ today on this policy so that the Chamber can continue to be the best ambassador this Port has ever had.”
The vote was supported by Commissioners Dines, Drummond, and Sramek while opposed by Commissioners Wise and Fields. It is expected to take effect immediately.