LB Area Chamber Endorses Gov. Schwarzenegger's Reelection

Upon the recommendation of the Chamber’s Political Action Committee, the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to endorse the second term for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -- unequivocally recognizing that Governor Schwarzenegger is the candidate best equipped to promote a pro-jobs agenda for Long Beach and the state. The Board of Directors now stands with the Governor to continue their shared work to reduce the cost burden on employers and halt the growth in government spending in Sacramento.

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has maintained a long-standing policy not to endorse candidates in statewide elections with rare exception. Such an exception hasn’t arisen in the Chamber’s 118 year history. The difference between the candidates’ positions on jobs and economic growth is immense and too significant not to act upon. Governor Schwarzenegger rode to the rescue of California small businesses in 2004. For four years prior, the state had been reeling from a costly energy crisis and a state government in total disarray. Four years later, according statistics provided by the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, unemployment for Los Angeles County fell by a dramatic 42 percent while Governor Schwarzenegger has been in office.

In June 2004, the Governor signed the Long Beach Chamber-supported workers compensation reform package Senate Bill 899 into law during a Long Beach law signing ceremony. Since that time, workers' compensation rates have been falling to the relief of businesses in Long Beach and throughout the state. The Governor has resisted every legislative attempt since then to reverse this historic success.

"This is a historic moment for the Long Beach business community." stated Randy Gordon, Long Beach Chamber President and CEO citing the Chamber's unprecedented decision to endorse its first statewide constitutional officer since the Chamber’s founding over 118 years ago.

"We make this move today because too much is at stake in this election. California cannot afford to go backwards to the dark days of an annual, helter-skelter barrage of taxes, fees and regulations. We need a focused vision that will balance the needs of employees and employers alike. We believe Mr. Schwarzenegger has the political will and courage to help every Californian realize the golden California dream," Gordon added.

"California's future is at stake," stated Byron Schweigert, Chairman of the Long Beach Chamber Board of Directors. "It's time for bold leadership and that's why the Chamber Board voted the way it did today. The Governor's record is clear, under his leadership, average workers' compensation rates have fallen by more than 50 percent; indeed, it is impossible to overstate the importance Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been to California small-business owners," Schweigert continued.

Gordon concluded, "In making this announcement, the Chamber stands up for the average taxpaying citizen of Long Beach. We are proud to partner with the Governor in continuing to bring economic vitality to every Long Beach citizen. Our action today acknowledges the Governor's actions in taking California from the brink of bankruptcy to economic vitality. Before Governor Schwarzenegger was elected, the state budget deficit was out of control, companies and jobs were fleeing the state. Now, jobs are being created, unemployment is down, and the state's business environment is glowing again."