Community Commentary -- ROGER ALFORD

In the early 1900s, a city not far from here was developed. The city

was named Venice and is located just south of Santa Monica. Development

is not solely limited to Orange County and Newport Beach. There have been

developers throughout man’s existence. Developers do make things happen.

Venice, in the 1910s to 1930s, was a city with canals and gondolas. It

was a beautiful landmark with a theme and thriving tourist business,

which encouraged beach usage. I doubt people were flying in to visit and

spend the week; however, tourists from far off Pasadena probably did make

it a cool getaway on the coast.

What happened to Venice? Probably nothing. It is still there. The

sewers work, residents go to the beach. But it is old. It may not have

continued to expand. It may not have enjoyed the resurgence of the ‘60s,

‘70s and ‘80s. Businesses closed because tourism moved away to newer

facilities. The city put houses where businesses used to be and, for a

few years, the community was peaceful and quiet. The people did not

realize the need for businesses to bring in revenue to employ local

residents. The property taxes kept the city maintained and all was well.

We do not want Newport Beach on a course similar to that of Venice.

There is a big difference in city revenue now. A substantial amount of

the Newport Beach revenues depends on sales taxes to support the services

of police, fire and rescue, and city maintenance (including free

residential trash pickup). Newport Beach receives only 17% of the

property taxes it pays. The remainder goes to the county of Orange and

the state. The property tax represents 34% of the total city budget and

is significant; however, you can determine that other revenues such as

sales tax are critical additional income to the city.

The point is we must continue to change, support and encourage

business endeavors. Whether old and established or new businesses, the

community must support the entrepreneurs who are willing to risk personal

time and capital. This is the only way to keep the community financially

sound and reinvigorated based on the economic changes that occur

naturally.

The Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce does this by monitoring

civic activities on an ongoing basis. It is actively participating as a

business advocate at City Hall by either protecting or advocating

business interests. Additionally, the staff and volunteer leaders of the

chamber participate in Economic Development Council programs, share data

and support the independent Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau

to promote trade and bring business to our community. The Chamber of

Commerce also provides forums for our members to interact among

themselves solely to enhance their own business interests.

The entire process is for the benefit of the community in which we

live. The chamber supports the activities that keep this city new and

economically sound. The chamber’s support of its members’ goals will

enhance the city of Newport Beach and its continued success in the

future.

* ROGER ALFORD is a certified public accountant who chairs the board

of directors of the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.