For 90 minutes on May 1, three of the top minds in the state discussed potential solutions to California’s historic drought, bipartisanship in Sacramento and the importance of addressing unfunded pension liabilities throughout California, during the 2015 State of the State.
California State Senator Bill Monning, joined Dr. Newsha Ajami, Stanford’s director of Urban Water Policy and former Mayor of San Jose Chuck Reed for the annual San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce event.
The fourth annual event presented the opportunity for attendees to hear directly from state leaders about these hot button issues and ask questions that concern them.
“Thanks to the Chamber for bringing State Leadership individuals to discuss the issues and what is happening here and at the state level, so that all of us are part of the dialogue and education about the issues,” said Biz Steinberg, CEO, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo.
Water Conservation
“Dr. Ajami’s words continue to play back in my head when she said that we truly have the power, within our own homes, businesses and daily lives to make a significant difference through conservation.” – Patricia Wilmore, government affairs coordinator with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
“Dr. Ajami observed that the California water system is the most complicated in the world, noting the massive infrastructure and web of historic ownership and water rights. And, like so many of our greatest challenges, we need every tool in the tool box – conservation, education, water recycling, incentives, and new laws that protect a shared resource for both human use and the natural ecosystems.” – Andy Pease, principal, InBalance Green Consulting
Drought
“State Senator Monning highlighted working together, recognizing that we are all part of the problem and should take responsibility to be a part of the solution. In this context, we reject finger pointing whether it’s urban user at agriculture or vice versa and turn that work back to ourselves and to collaboration.” – Patricia Wilmore, government affairs coordinator, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
“Dr. Ajami illustrated the notion that we cannot have two solutions for Northern and Southern California, and this drought has ‘highlighted flaws in our system.’” – Megan Humphries, co-president of the Political Science Club, Cal Poly
Sacramento
“Senator Bill Monning reinforced that California is a complex state with complex issues that require complex solutions. As messy as it is to solve complex problems in public arena, it is necessary if we are to deal with the issues all Californians face; this helps build my patience with the process.” – Barry VanderKelen, president, Central Coast Trust
Unfunded pension liabilities
“Chuck Reed reaffirmed that all government agencies are underestimating the scope of unfunded pension liabilities. It is astounding that this is not a bigger story in CA. He affirmed the need to redefine benefits for new employees while protecting existing benefits already promised. It is a fair approach I agree with.” Dave Cox, executive vice president/ general manager, Barnett Cox & Associates
For more videos visit the 2015 State of the State click here.
The 2015 State of the State would not have been possible without support from Cal Poly, Glenn Burdette, Morris & Garritano and Pacific Western Bank.