The Chinese zodiac calendar says 2012 is the year of the dragon. Political observers see it more as the year of donkeys and elephants. From a government affairs perspective it may be the year of the bee: busy.
January marks the beginning of a very volatile presidential election year, one that will keep our Chamber Government Affairs Committee committed to research and analysis to find the issues that affect our members the most. Fortunately for us and our members, the Chamber does not endorse candidates, which reduces both the angst and the decisions we have to make and recommend as positions to the Board of Directors.
But that leaves Carlsbad businesses with a wide universe of legislative issues to consider. The committee will focus on those that it believes are of greatest importance, either as threats or as supportive measures, in 2012.
Given the long history of California as a business-unfriendly state from a government perspective, keeping a sharp eye on the legislature remains critical.
Keep watching for and reading the Political Pulse section every month. We'll keep you abreast of the most contentious issues and also ask for your help every once in a while.
You are also welcome to attend our monthly Government Affairs committee meetings, first Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber. There you may learn things like the new discrimination and harassment claims legislation that predates the Herman Cain era.
January marks the beginning of a very volatile presidential election year, one that will keep our Chamber Government Affairs Committee committed to research and analysis to find the issues that affect our members the most. Fortunately for us and our members, the Chamber does not endorse candidates, which reduces both the angst and the decisions we have to make and recommend as positions to the Board of Directors.
But that leaves Carlsbad businesses with a wide universe of legislative issues to consider. The committee will focus on those that it believes are of greatest importance, either as threats or as supportive measures, in 2012.
Given the long history of California as a business-unfriendly state from a government perspective, keeping a sharp eye on the legislature remains critical.
Keep watching for and reading the Political Pulse section every month. We'll keep you abreast of the most contentious issues and also ask for your help every once in a while.
You are also welcome to attend our monthly Government Affairs committee meetings, first Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber. There you may learn things like the new discrimination and harassment claims legislation that predates the Herman Cain era.