www.sdchamber.org

Chamber Hosts 2008 Congressional Luncheon

By Lisa Gesner

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s popular Congressional Luncheon, sponsored by BAE Systems, was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina.  Nearly 500 attendees had the opportunity to dialogue on regional issues with local Congress members Susan Davis, Bob Filner and Duncan Hunter through real-time question and answer polling.

The annual program began with a welcome from Phil Blair, Chamber Chairman, and messages from San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and Chamber President Ruben Barrales.  Dennis Morgigno, Channel 4 San Diego, moderated the interactive question and answer session.  The event provided an eye-opening and interesting insight into how the opinions of congressional and local business leaders agree or differ on issues such as water conservation, arts funding, career technical education and cross-border efficiency.

On the topic of water conservation, most (74 percent of the audience and all three Congress members) seemed to agree that supporting new technologies and existing infrastructure is a better solution than rationing water for businesses and individuals.   Most also seemed to agree that tax incentive programs and rebates for those using new “green” technology should exist.  A majority, 62 percent of the audience, agreed with Congressman Duncan Hunter that career technical education should receive direct funding in public schools. 

The audience and members of Congress were split, however, on the issue of healthcare reform.  Susan Davis and Bob Filner, along with 21 percent of the audience, support legislation at the federal level to cover the uninsured, and 38 percent agreed with Congressman Hunter, supporting a market based model for healthcare.   And while over half (54 percent) of the audience favored a new Port of Entry at Otay Mesa to relieve border congestion and wait times, Congress members agreed that utilizing new technology such as smart cards and easier access for frequent crossers over existing infrastructure would be the best way to increase efficiency and security at the border.

Another point of disagreement was the recently approved economic stimulus package, as well as legislation being considered to assist homeowners in need.  The members of Congress felt that legislation to help homeowners and measures to increase jobs were more effective solutions than the stimulus package. They were surprised to learn that 63 percent of the audience felt the economy was best served by simply letting the market correct itself.

As always, the annual event was well received by all and a nod to the successful partnership between our region’s government and business leaders.  Special thanks to our sponsors, AT&T, Kaiser Permanente, Sempra Energy, Sharp, and Viejas Enterprises.