NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT

Best Places to Work 2008 Awards Reception

September 25, 2008, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, Rohnert Park

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Business community should raise its voice

ELECTED OFfiCIALS BENEfiT FROM INPUT, SUPPORT AND EXPERTISE OF PRIVATE SECTOR

The February 5 primary is California’s kickoff to a year of politics and decision-making. But do we really know the people we are electing? More importantly, do the candidates know the business community’s views on key issues, and does the private sector know candidates’ positions on business-related topics? While candidates for federal offices get the most media attention, business leaders should focus on county and city races.

It takes more than campaign contributions to establish a dialogue with local elected officials who impact daily life when it comes to land use, transportation, fees, etc. While every business owner invests in equipment, resources and supplies, it is equally vital to invest in the political process to ensure that both reasonableness and balance prevail on city councils and on boards of supervisors.

Becoming active in public affairs is good business. If elected officials do not hear from the private sector, the assumption is that everything is all right, and businesses often find themselves having to live with local government decisions on fees, regulations and ordinances.

Elected officials really want and appreciate input, but rarely get enough. The business community has a wealth of creative ideas and expertise that has often led to better solutions. Working with diverse groups, citizens, staffs and officials to find answers can improve the quality of life in the county.

When a project is proposed, I meet neighbors on adjoining properties, the applicant and all those affected to look at the cross-impact of that project on various constituencies. Yet, too often complicated issues are reduced to one word or acronym. Citizens are often concerned about single-issue campaign buzzwords – such as green, sprawl, sustainable and smart growth – without pausing to consider the bigger picture of where the North Bay is headed and the infrastructure required to get us there.

Buzzwords should never drive a campaign. There are a host of issues currently facing our region that require attention: the economy, jobs, environment, public safety, gang violence, transportation, water and wastewater concerns and affordable housing. We must elect local officials with the breadth of knowledge and understanding to address a complex and integrated agenda. It requires research into who are running and determination as to whether those individuals are able to understand a variety of issues and make solid decisions.

Most voters expect elected officials to just fix things without becoming personally engaged. Studies show the average person does not understand what his or her local city council does. They also don’t know that council members directly influence the selection of members for many boards and commissions – including the Golden Gate Bridge District, Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Local Area Formation Commission, Redevelopment Agency, local public utility commissions and others.

There are many examples of what can happen when the business community steps up to the plate and participates

in local decision-making. The agricultural community came out in strength when the issue of creek setbacks was in a state of flux for the Sonoma County General Plan.

Many business opinions have been heard on the Russian River gravel-mining issue and expansion of local quarries. The business community – along with environmental groups, resource agencies and local elected officials – have worked tirelessly to find a solution to the California Tiger Salamander issue; and many different groups are working together to bring passenger rail service to the North Bay.

Several organizations strive to fill the communication gap and provide

a broader perspective for public and elected officials. For example, each month Sonoma County Alliance members hear presentations from different authorities educating the community on critical concerns. SCA, in cooperation with six county organizations, conducts interviews with political candidates and incumbents in an effort to both define their positions and to offer business-sector input for their review and consideration before making endorsements.

It is a myth that the business community does not care about important social issues such as the environment and sustainability. In fact, a growing number of highly progressive methods to conserve energy, recycle materials and develop sustainable building practices have come from the private sector. An increasing number of commercial vehicles are being modified to use bio-diesel, ethanol, propane and other clean fuels – and businesses will not stop there.

The business sector should feel proud of its work in helping to develop solutions and should encourage city governments to foster a pro-business climate that leads to a healthy environment and economy for Sonoma County and the region. It takes an ongoing discourse and a continuing flow of information between the business community and elected officials to make this process effective. By working together both groups can make our region a good place to do business – and more will come to provide additional jobs and a better quality of life.

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Lisa Wittke Schaffner is the mayor of Healdsburg and executive director of the Sonoma County Alliance. She can be reached at 707-525-8377 or execdir

@sonomacountyalliance.com

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