The following information was released by Gary DeLong for Congress
My first debate with Alan Lowenthal will occur next Wednesday, August 1st, at the Long Beach Rotary Club, beginning at 12:00noon. If you’d like to attend, just RSVP to Rotary@RotaryLongBeach.org.
Lunch is $25 and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the many fine members of Long Beach Rotary, and learn about the outstanding contributions Rotary Clubs make to their communities. I’ve been a member of Rotary for many years.
Meanwhile, earlier this week Alan issued a press release indicating his campaign continues to be in trouble. Not only are they behind in fundraising, but the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) has indicated they are going to enter the race and help Alan out due to his poor performance to date. They’ll help with “financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.”
Perhaps what the DCCC doesn’t realize is that Alan just doesn’t reflect the views of his district. Voters of the 47th Congressional District don’t want a partisan politician like Alan in Washington. There is too much gridlock already. We need elected officials who are willing to work with both sides of the aisle. Senior citizens don’t support a candidate like Alan who supports transferring over $500 Billion away from Medicare, which is already struggling financially. And finally, voters definitely don’t want an elected official who has a track record in the California State Legislature of mismanaging our finances.
Below is a list of what’s happened to California while Alan has been part of the State of California leadership team. In addition to the failures below, Alan has supported drastic cuts to our educational systems, included a cut of OVER 30% in the last two years to the California State University System, directly impacting CSULB’s ability to educate our youth. Tuition is up, the number of classes has been reduced, and it is now next to impossible to graduate in 4 years. Draconian cuts have been made to the Long Beach Unified School District and Long Beach City College as well.
1. Highest Sales Tax in the Nation
2. 2nd Highest Gas Tax
3. 3rd Highest Income Tax
4. 10th Highest Property Tax
5. California is ranked by CEO Magazine as the worst state in America in which to do business for the 8th year in a row
6. State debt has tripled in the past 10 years
7. This year’s state deficit was at $9 billion, and has now grown to $16 billion
8. The State’s credit rating is the worst in the nation
9. The State’s unemployment rate is the 3rd worst in the nation
10. California has the 3rd worst tax climate in the nation
11. 254 California companies moved some or all of their work and jobs out of state in 2011, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year and five times as many as in 2009
12. While the City of Long Beach reduced our number of employees over the last 14 years, the State has increased the number of employees from 282,000 to 341,000, an increase of over 20%!
13. State Pension benefits increased by approximately 50% in 2000 and the State Legislature has taken little action to reduce them. Unlike the City of Long Beach where we reduced Police and Fire, and other unions, benefits for new employees.
14. Alan’s vote to kill the largest economic development tool available to cities (Redevelopment Agencies) is a clear example of his willingness to follow party leadership rather than his constituents. This single vote has created severe economic distress for cities across the 47th District. There have been significant layoffs, reductions in services, and one city is looking to a tax increase to balance their budget.
Featured photo
Courtesy photo of Gary DeLong.
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