State Legislators Talk to the People

The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce sponsored a luncheon event with California Assemblyman Dr. Steven Choi and California Senator John Moorlach. Stan Yombo was the host and the venue was the beautiful clubhouse on Lake 1 overlooking the remodeled lagoon that was recently voted one of the best beaches in California. In attendance were Mayor Pro Tem Basile, Mayor Voigts, and City Manager Debra Rose. About 100 people were there.

BIGGEST ISSUE IN SACRAMENTO

Moorlach – the growing deficit and the increase in taxes. “We have the highest tax rate and we’re broke and no one cares” he lamented.

Choi – party politics. The Democrats have a super majority. “They can do anything” he said.

BIGGEST ISSUES FOR YOUR DISTRICT

Moorlach – (1) sober living homes, (2) high speed rail, (3) converting Fairview Development Center (which is closing) into a resource for homeless, mentally ill, and other needy populations.

Choi – (1) how can we continue the high growth that we have been experiencing, (2) over-regulation, (3) providing incentives for companies to do business locally

USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Moorlach – tweets, uses Facebook extensively, and e-mail blasts

Choi – use Facebook and e-mail blasts, but doesn’t tweet

LIFE IN THE CAPITAL

Moorlach – chaotic, not enough time to study bills, don’t get agenda in advance so it can be studied

Choi – too many bills (5000 in the Assembly), assigned to committees that meet at the same time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.

Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a mini town meeting every month. The next meeting will be on Sept 9 at 2 pm at the Foothill Ranch Public Library.