www.sdchamber.org

Public Policy Update

By Scott Alevy, Vice President of Public Policy & Communications

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted our popular annual legislative breakfast, "Straight Talk from Sacramento," on Friday, November 16.  Using our unique proactive method of audience participation, the event provided a direct dialogue between Chamber members and the San Diego County state legislative delegation.  The legislative panel included State Senators Denise Ducheny and Christine Kehoe, and Assembly members Martin Garrick, Lori Saldana and George Plescia.  It was my pleasure and honor to moderate the discussion.

As in years past, this interactive forum facilitated interaction between Chamber members and the elected officials who serve our region in Sacramento, allowing participating legislators to address targeted issues and initiatives facing individuals and businesses on local, regional and state levels.  The questions covered a variety of topics, including the recent wildfires, the state’s water supply, infrastructure funding and healthcare coverage. 

Using a real-time polling technique, the audience responded electronically to specific policy questions, which was followed by the response of the elected officials. After their discussion of each issue, the audience’s responses were displayed on-screen for all to see. This gave legislative panelists the opportunity to answer questions candidly before viewing audience opinions, and the event served as an enlightening discussion for all...including the elected officials.

Several clear messages were sent to the legislators from the audience’s answers to the nine questions that were discussed.  Among other topics, there was substantial support (93%) for the use of desalination and other non-traditional solutions to our water shortages, and 96% of the attendees felt that the burden of paying for healthcare for Californians should be shared by all, and not just employers or individuals.

Another one of our truly popular annual events, a “Fireside Chat” with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, will be held at the U.S. Grant Hotel on the evening of Thursday, December 6. In its second year, the program affords Chamber members a unique and personal opportunity to hear the candor, wit and wisdom of the city’s top leader in a relaxed setting.  This is an event you won’t want to miss!