But, Gilroy’s Chamber remains unsupportive
Simón Salinas will receive the Legislator of the Year award by the League of California Cities Saturday, but Gilroy’s Chamber of Commerce remains grounded in its opposition to the assemblyman’s voting record.
Applauding Salinas’ efforts in expanding affordable housing opportunities, the League called Salinas “a consistent and passionate supporter of local government.”
Salinas, who won his first assembly seat in 2000 for District 28 which includes San Benito County, also has tried to broaden opportunities for higher education for minorities in California, as well as improve living conditions for farmers.
The League commended Salinas for his role as chairman of the Local Government Committee, where he oversees legislation regarding local jurisdictions, land use powers and special districts.
In June, the Chamber’s board voted 12-0 not to endorse Salinas, going against a recommendation by the Chamber’s Government Review Committee.
“We looked at Salinas’ voting record on a state-level regarding all business issues,” said Greg Edgar, president of the Chamber’s board. “The percentage of issues that were voted down or not voted by him at all were very large … From a philosophical standpoint, the chamber and Salinas aren’t on the same track.”
In 2003 the California Chamber of Commerce gave Salinas an unfavorable 3-15 record of voting in accord with the Chamber on business-related issues. In 2002, his record was 2-15.
Anti-business positions supported by Salinas included a state Senate bill that required large employers to provide health insurance for their employees. The bill passed into law last October despite opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce.
Susan Valenta, executive director of Gilroy’s Chamber, said she understands why the League awarded Salinas, but his anti-business stance is incompatible with that of the chamber.
“I have tremendous respect for all individuals who serve in the public sector. It’s a very difficult job, and it takes an inordinate amount of time to do that service and address as many needs as possible,” Valenta said. “He’s an excellent individual and deserves the recognition. But he also made a number of decisions counter to what the California Chamber recommended.”
The Chamber also abstained from endorsing Bob Perkins, Salinas’ Republican opponent and executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau for the past 25 years. This is Perkins’ first year vying for elected office, and his agenda largely focuses on bringing jobs and businesses back to California by rolling back taxes and other government-imposed fees on businesses.
“The board only acts on recommendations from the Government Review Committee, and that was not their recommendation. I’ve been following the issues, but it’s still to premature to take a position,” Valenta said, when asked if the Chamber might formally endorse Perkins in the future.
Salinas will receive the award at the League’s annual conference, Sept. 17 through 20 in Long Beach.
