Sounding Board -- Richard R. Luehrs

As Newport Beach begins the challenging and important general plan

update process, there has been much discussion about making sure there is

a balance between business and residential interests. A balance is right

and should be in place before planning proceeds; however, we must

remember to actually make this a balance and not a special-interest group

set up to remove or stifle business interests.

Although there has been a lot of talk about the Greenlight movement in

our city, we must remember the importance of business to the vitality of

Newport Beach. Some misguided residents in this city seem to feel that

business is out to degrade our way of life. This could not be further

from the truth.

In reality, business adds to the quality of our lives by providing

essential products and services, such as access to quality health care,

entertainment, retail or dining, all readily available and close to home.

Business also provides valuable funds to the city of Newport Beach for

required services, such as police, fire and the myriad public works

projects. Many in our community may take for granted the frequent and

substantial contribution business makes to the not-for-profit community.

The arts, the disadvantaged, the spiritual and philanthropic endeavors of

all sorts are frequent and substantial benefactors of business.

A common myth is that residential property taxes can support our city

services. This is simply not true. As an example of this fallacy,

property taxes from residents currently total about $28 million a year.

The budget for the Newport Beach Police Department is almost $30 million

a year. In fact, property tax, including that portion from commercial

properties, pays for only 64% of the cost of public safety. Basic math

will tell you our property taxes do not even cover what it takes to keep

our men and women in blue on the streets to protect us.

Where does the rest of the money come from to support everything else

that goes on in the city, such as fixing roads, refuse service, tree

trimming or revitalization projects such as the current one taking place

in Balboa Village? The majority of funding comes from business. That’s

correct -- a healthy business environment translates directly to a

healthy community and an unparalleled quality of life.

Another myth recently promoted by leaders of the Greenlight movement

is that business has no interest in the city and should not be allowed to

dictate how the city is run. Although we agree that business shouldn’t

dictate to the city, it certainly should be included in the process. Many

of our business owners are also residents of the city who have more at

stake than most in seeing the quality of life remain strong.

So, if you are content on seeing our buildings get old and dilapidated

with no redevelopment or watch as city services or offerings become

limited or other cities pass us by in public safety technology, then we

should stay on our current Greenlight course through the general plan

process.

However, if we want to continue to enjoy all of the wonderful

amenities that we do enjoy in Newport Beach, we may want to reconsider

the current closed-minded approach to business as we plan for the next 20

years.

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce looks forward to doing whatever

it can to help out with the important process of planning for the future

through the general plan update process. If it is to be done correctly,

it must be a true balance between all interests in the city, including

business.

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

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.