San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts Governor at Town Hall Meeting

SAN DIEGO – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and several members of his cabinet met with business leaders and other community members at a town hall meeting in San Diego recently, addressing numerous issues of concern to Californians and presenting his plan for funding of key initiatives.

Ruben Barrales, President and CEO of the Regional Chamber, served as moderator for the event, and introduced the Governor, who spoke on education, his health care initiative, business’ regulatory environment and his proposed revision of the state’s $57.6 billion 2008 fiscal year budget.  Following the governor’s initial remarks, Barrales led off a spirited question and answer session with the governor.

“The forum allowed San Diegans to hear directly from the governor,” said Barrales.  “The governor faced some difficult questions directly and with candor.  His honesty was key to the success of the town hall meeting, and the Regional Chamber was proud to host him.”

The governor spoke with 150 community leaders at the mid-morning gathering, held at the San Diego Veterans Memorial and Museum near Balboa Park.  The invitees included Chamber leadership and members representing small and large employers. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders led off the community forum.

Barrales asked Schwarzenegger for his take on the future of California’s transportation infrastructure, and the potential impacts of his healthcare initiatives on employers.  The governor responded with points about his proposed $37 billion in infrastructure enhancements for goods movement and commuter mobility, and efforts to overcome what he called “a hidden tax” by spreading the cost of universal healthcare to all users.

California Secretary Of Health & Human Services Kim Belshe, Corrections & Rehabilitation Secretary Jim Tilton, and EPA Secretary Linda Adams joined Resources secretary Mike Chrisman and new Secretary of Education David Long in brief statements and responses to questions from the attendees.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum with participation from the county chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), state Parent Teachers Association leadership (PTA) and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.