In a country as big as ours, democratic government is tiered out of necessity. Some issues require federal attention and resources, some should be solved at the state level and some issues require specialized solutions only possible with unique local experience.
SB 1387, a bill now up for consideration by the Assembly, threatens to dismantle that democratic structure in California by weakening local representation. Local representation serves as the base of California’s government; its roots to the communities and districts that it aspires to protect.
While SB 1387 itself only targets one local board — the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)— its consequences to local representation would be devastating statewide. This bill would effectively dilute local representation by adding three more Sacramento appointees to the SCAQMD Board of Directors, for a total of six appointee seats or 40 percent of the board.
As mayor pro tem of Montebello and president of the California Independent Cities Association, I am honored to represent my community, and I am able to see firsthand the importance of local elected representatives. Sacramento appointees are an important part of California’s system of governance, and can be effective at developing and implementing policy where appropriate. That role, however, is not interchangeable with local representatives, chosen from among the people who know them best and the communities in which they live. Communities all across California will suffer if their local elected officials are replaced by appointees they cannot hold directly accountable in the same way.
I know there are many who share this point of view. A broad and growing coalition of more than 100 organizations and leaders across the state have united to oppose SB 1387. Organizations such as the Los Angeles County Business Federation, the R.E.A.L. Coalition, and Inland Action, all of whom fear for the economic repercussions on their communities- have spoken out against SB 1387.
Leaders such as Carole Beswick, former Redlands mayor and former SCAQMD board member, and current Mayor of Fontana Acquanetta Warren have expressed concern that local representation could be so undervalued in a state as diverse as California. Their personal experience as local representatives has shown them the powerful effect that their roles can play in their communities, and they vouch for the importance of hands-on representation in California.
The idea that local representatives are not suited to represent the communities and districts that they live in is unfounded and offensive, and ignores the reasons why their positions were created. Our regional leaders come from a broad range of backgrounds, have thorough experience with our local businesses and interact with local residents every day who are invested in the future of our region.
Both the members of the state government and those in appointed positions are important, but local representatives are too. I urge the Assembly to vote no on SB 1387 to maintain the democratic balance of California government.
