www.sdchamber.org

President's Update

By Ruben Barrales, President & Chief Executive Officer

As the November elections approach, I would like to highlight a few of the Chamber's positions regarding our local and state ballot.  The Chamber recently endorsed Judge Jan Goldsmith for San Diego City Attorney.  Jan Goldsmith and incumbent Mike Aguirre are running for a four-year term for this important office, and this marks the first time the Chamber has endorsed in the City Attorney race.

The Chamber chose to support Proposition S for San Diego schools; a bond measure will help to improve the quality of education in our schools.  The Chamber opposes local Proposition B regarding the 10th Avenue Terminal, an important measure that will determine the future development of our waterfront.

The Chamber supports Proposition 11 to create a fair and independent redistricting process for California.  This ballot measure would allow for competitive legislative districts in California, and help to loosen the grip of special interests in Sacramento.  On Monday, October 6, 2008, we held a press conference at the Chamber in support of Proposition 11.  The League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and other civic groups join the Chamber in this effort.

The Chamber also supports the development of the Navy Broadway Complex, which when completed in downtown San Diego, will generate as much as $2.7 billion for our local economy and add over 22,000 jobs to the region.  Express your support for this important development:

Finally, I’m glad to report that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed SB1486, which moves us a step closer to the funding and construction of the new State Route 11 and the proposed Otay Mesa East Port of Entry.  Many thanks to Senator Denise Ducheny for authoring the bill, to Assemblywoman Mary Salas for her support in the Assembly, and to all the regional partners such at Caltrans, SANDAG, The Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the South County Economic Development Council and others who have worked for this legislation.

When completed, the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry will be an important commercial port of entry for Chamber members including major employers such as Sony, Kyocera, and Solar Turbines.  The new crossing is expected to help alleviate long border wait times and generate over $31.6 billion for the San Diego region during the first 10 years of operation.  The Chamber's recent economic study details the significant economic impact of this new project to San Diego and other regions in California.  Download a summary of the study.