New Leadership in Long Beach

James Johnson, Long Beach City Council

On July 20 the City of Long Beach will have a leadership change.  Two city council seats will have new representatives.  James Johnson won the election for the 7th district, the western part of Long Beach.  James was the speaker at the July meeting of the Long Beach Democratic Club.  Two other Long Beach City Councilmembers, Patrick O’Donnell and Val Lerch were in attendence at the meeting.    James talked about many of the challenges facing Long Beach including the budget.  He mentioned that the budget will require his dedicated attention the first sixty days of his term .  

I found it refreshing that James explained that the budget was going to require some tough choices.  He said that accounting tricks or selling city assets were not the answer.  He acknowledged that hard working middle class families are facing major challenges just to meet living expenses, but he also stated how important public safety and other services are to the city.  He does not wish to increase taxes or fees and he does not want to cut services from the city.  He acknowleged that a combination of increasing revenue for the city and reducing some services must be part of the solution.  He was clear that passing debt to future generations is not the answer and he has the courage to fight for the right answer.   He did not define any specific solutions prior to taking office, but he sent a clear message that he is serious about facing challenge and being honest about what it will take to protect the future of Long Beach. 

James also talked about the 7th district .  He mentioned that parts of the district have no bank, grocery store, or other services that most of us do not even think about.  He talked about the schools and gave examples of potential solutions.  Being on the City Council of Long Beach is like being on the board of directors for a major corporation.  Each City Councilmember has substantial responsibility that affects the daily lives of many people.   The budget for the City of Long Beach is over $2 billion a year when the airport, transit system, and port are included.   James Johnson has the opportunity to make a difference for the half million people who live in Long Beach and for all the people who frequent the city.  I am looking forward to attending city coucil meetings and watching James as he defines his new role as part of the leadership of the City of Long Beach.  Please send me your comments regarding James Johnson, budget issues, or any other subject that you think is important.

Jim Brandt, Facebook