Issue Position: Economic Development/Jobs

Issue Position

During my years on the Concord City Council, I am proud of our success in creating _____ new jobs in our community. But for living wage jobs to be plentiful for our residents, we need a more focused strategy to attract new businesses and to keep current businesses, including small businesses, in California. Yes, the cost of living in California is higher than in most states in the nation, but so are the benefits to living here! California has the most amazing protected beaches, mountains, deserts and natural resources. We have incredible weather, and all-year outdoor activities that other states just don't have. We have some of the highest rated colleges and universities and we are the birth place of the technological revolution.

Economic Hub in the East Bay: In the East Bay Area, Oakland has long been the "economic hub" of the region. I would like to see that focus change so that the economic hub of the East Bay is centered more in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. If elected, I will gather an economic round table of local business and economic leaders to brainstorm strategies to bring and keep businesses and jobs to our region.
Minimum Wage: An individual in our area who earns $10 an hour has a difficult time paying for housing, transportation, food and other costs of living. I support the minimum wage being increased to $12 an hour, in a phased-in approach that will not affect businesses' ability to retain positions for our State's workers.

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