Several great speakers were heard Nov. 1 at the Arcadia Chamber’s monthly Government Affairs Forum sponsored by Expedia:
Government Affairs Forum sponsor- David Hall, elected Chairman of the Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte Town Council for the past 20 years, explained how MAD was started and the accomplishments the Council has made in improving the neighborhoods of these 3 communities located in the county area. Along with the support of Supervisor Mike Antonovich, the collaborative efforts of the Council, neighborhood residents and County Sheriff’s Department, gang-related crime was reduced by 42%. A $2.5 million gym was built in Pamela Park and 32 different youth programs were started. [flagallery gid=60 name=”MAD Town Council & Measure J”]
- Duarte Mayor John Fasana, also a Director of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Chairman of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee explained Measure J & the positive impact it would have on accelerating construction of highway transportation improvements. The passing of Measure J would extend the one-half cent sales tax – approved in 2008 – for an additional 30 years, to end in 2069. Accelerated projects would also advance the creation of 250,000 new local jobs.
- Helen Romero Shaw, community representative for the Southern California Gas Company, reminded everyone that advance preparation is critical to deal with emergencies such as the next major earthquake. In light of the devastation of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast, she recommended visiting www.socalgas.com/safety for emergency preparation safety tips or call 877-643-2331.