LETTERS
Budget Crisis
The staggering severity of California’s current budget crisis is mind-boggling, its consequences severe. Tough choices lie ahead. The challenge before us is to move forward in ways that offer hope for enhancing economic prosperity and quality of life.
Alarmingly and sadly, beneath the debate, finger-pointing and recriminations occurring in the state capitol, there exists no plan, no road map and no consensus on how to restore our state’s economic strength and lost jobs. Ideologically, the two parties could not be farther apart on how to address this crisis,”no tax increases” versus “the consequences of no tax increases.”
This shorthand definition of the debate misses the larger point: The key to California’s future is a strong, vibrant economy. But a growing lack of confidence in California,and uncertainty about the future climate for risk and reward,is worsening the prospects for economic recovery.
We can learn from others. All states have had to face the economic decline of the last two years. According to a recent analysis by USA Today, the keys to the best financial stewardship among states were restraint and swift and decisive action to keep finances sound. California ranked as the worst-performing state. What a terrible legacy.
Earlier this year, the Orange County Business Council and other regional business organizations called for four principles to guide the state’s budget negotiations and the move toward economic recovery:
& #149; Economic expansion and spending cuts first, revenue enhancements (taxes and fees) later.
& #149; Protections for California’s manufacturing base.
& #149; Investment in transportation infrastructure.
& #149; Stable funding for local governments.
With economic recovery, California’s fiscal health and high levels of government services can be restored. This is the overriding principle that must guide solutions to the state budget crisis.
Stan Oftelie
President and CEO
Orange County Business Council
El Toro, Cont’d
To the directors of ETRPA:
I just received at my office a package with your CD and VHS presentation on airports and the purported problems with putting a commercial airport at El Toro.
As a politically savvy CEO that has also been a pilot for over 30 years, I must at least admire the smooth way in which your materials twist and distort!
Aside from the abundance of factual errors, I am impressed with your creative way of fudging numbers and the total disregard for what our children and grandchildren will be left to deal with. All about me, NIMBY and now.
With a little luck and a smile from the gods, possibly the federal government will take over this planning process and do what is right for all of us. Clearly your organization will not.
Mark C. Johnson
President and CEO
Chapin Medical Company
Anaheim Hills
