COMMUNITY COMMENTARY -- Richard R. Luehrs

The tragic events of Sept. 11 will leave a scar on this nation for

generations to come. All Americans felt the loss of family and loved ones

in New York City, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania that day. Though the

grieving continues, hundreds of millions of dollars have been contributed

to aid the families and the relief effort in their loss.

That loss is being felt here in Newport Beach in a very real way.

Already hanging precariously close to a recession even before the

attacks, the resultant slowdown in air travel has had a chilling impact

on the local Newport Beach economy. Hotels, restaurants and charter

operations have been especially hard hit with reports of more than 50%

declines in sales.

According to the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, hotel

occupancy in the city is only at about 50%, as opposed to normal rates of

near 80%. The resultant drop in occupancy and sales taxes is sure to have

a dramatic effect on city revenues.

This current economic situation creates a challenge for both residents

and businesses in our city. We all need to work together to revive the

economic vitality of our great community while protecting its unique

lifestyle. We need to enhance our efforts now to help reduce job losses

and generate more tax revenue for needed city services.

One example of a way to help our sluggish local economic outlook would

be to dine out. In many cases, it is as cost effective to dine out as it

is at home, so do your part and support local restaurants.

Another way to support the local economy is to simply do your shopping

in town. Portions of the sales taxes generated in the community stay in

the community if you shop locally.

Yet another way to help our local economy is if you belong to an

organization, association or trade group, promote Newport Beach as a

viable and desirable place to have a meeting or conference.

The city should also continue its efforts toward annexing the Newport

Coast area to begin the stream of property taxes.

One last example of something that could be of economic benefit now

and for the future is the proposed development of an office tower by John

Wayne Airport. On Nov. 20, voters in Newport Beach will be asked to vote

on Measure G, which calls for a new 10-story office building that will

house many new businesses.

Those businesses will employ workers who will use services in the

airport area, generating sales tax and paying property tax to the city.

Additionally, this project will provide more than $3 million in regional

traffic improvements, which the city currently does not have, and will

help pay for a desperately needed new fire station to service the airport

area.

If we are to meet the economic challenges that lie ahead, the Newport

Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce asks the community to come together to

bring back our vibrant local economy.

By dining, shopping and promoting Newport Beach, we can give a needed

boost to the local economy. And, by voting “yes” on Measure G, we can

help stimulate our local economy and help the city of Newport Beach

continue to provide the services we all enjoy.

* RICHARD R. LUEHRS is the chief executive and president of the

Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.