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All I Want For Christmas
by Lucy Dunn, President and CEO
Dec 12, 2009
Comments: 7
‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the county
Not much was stirring, due to lack of a bounty.
Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care
Hoping soon our state will know fiscal repair.

No visions of sugar plums dance in our heads,
But more practical gifts we ask from Santa instead:

1. Jobs And by that, I mean an inviting business environment that encourages businesses to locate and grow here. Thriving businesses pay taxes that fill the state’s coffers. Thriving businesses hire people, resulting in less demand for expensive unfunded government social programs. Let’s make the whole state an enterprise zone and offer tax credits to businesses hiring the unemployed. Let’s streamline the permit process for getting a manufacturing plant up and running. How about a short-term moratorium on any new law that would add even one cent more to the cost of doing business here?

2. Logic We can’t be the leader on environmental reform unless the science underlying the legislative action is beyond reproach. California can’t mandate a reduction in greenhouse gases through land use, yet also raid local redevelopment and transit funds that provide the means to getting people out of their cars and living in higher density/mixed use developments. Stop the contradictions. Stop regulation that invites litigation and loopholes. Start giving incentives for good behavior instead.

3. Leadership What we could use is a 54 member Congressional delegation that work together to assure that California secures needed federal funding for major infrastructure projects like high speed rail, and much needed intervention to balance the laudable goal of environmental protection with a real focus on economic stability and global competitiveness.

4. Reform I fervently wish our elected officials would make the decisions that are best for the state instead of what is best for re-election. California is not a lost cause. We are not ungovernable or beyond regaining our position as the Land of Golden Dreams. We’ve just lost our way.

5. Toys Like every good little girl and boy, we want some things that will help make our lives a little sweeter and easier: a water bond and infrastructure that provides a reliable supply; fully funded educational and workforce development programs that prepare and motivate students for high-skill, high-wage careers; a diverse housing market to meet the full range of workforce housing; a comprehensive and efficient multi-modal transportation system to move goods, people and services; a prosperous, growing economy and a high quality of life for Orange County residents. And a pony.

The New Year dawns with the chance to do right,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"


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Wish List -- WOW! Dec 28, 2009
User: Cherie Eifler
Once again, your insight is thoughtful and truthful, refreshing and a great example of leadership. Love #4 especially...what if this actually happened. Our whole state could be rocketed into another dimension! Thanks, Lucy -- best to you & your family for a continued joyous holiday season! Happy 2010!



2nd your emotion! Dec 28, 2009
User: David Holder
Excellent capture of truth and consequences, Lucy, and just reading it made me feel not so lonesome!

Any elected state official that has or will vote to add to California's, net debt, burden adds serious threat to our future economic viability and to our quality of life here.

Thank you for a Christmas wish list that makes a good check list for shaping the debate and VOTING for our future.



Ho Ho Ho Dec 22, 2009
User: Santa



Not to be a Grinch, but... Dec 21, 2009
User: Pay off our debt
The state will pay $6 billion this year for the INTEREST on our state debt. Seems to me that we need to start paying off our credit card first and foremost so we can bring that interest payment down.

Thank you for making JOBS #1 on your list! A business-friendly environment will help get California in the black again. But it's going to take time. And it's going to hurt in the meantime, but we need to tough it out.

I know our state legislators like to play Santa Claus and hand out gifts, prizes and toys for their constituents... but my kids and grandkids will be the ones paying for that.

For the sake of the next generation, stop it. For God's sake, stop it!



Logic Dec 21, 2009
User: Bryan
"Nail on the Head" with number 3!



Your wish list Dec 21, 2009
User: Aniko Sherry
Dear Lucy - I second your five points. My only wish - For businesses to play a fair game and share the market. The paper green needs to go around.

Thank you Lucy for your leadership, your energy and time you devote to our business community.

And now I remain politically totally incorrect and keep with my established traditions - Merry Christams to you and all.

Aniko Sherry, Director Aniko Sherry International



Reform? Dec 21, 2009
User: CA Clean Money
Data-driven logic and courageous leadership -- laudable goals for CA. But what of reform? What will OCBC and the public support, and will opinion leaders address the influence of money on politics and policy?



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