Opposing view on living wage will attend meeting
The political bickering has begun between the two sides of the controversial living wage ordinance, which is in front of voters this fall.
Supporters of the living wage, known as Santa Monicans Allied for Responsible Toursism, think a “town hall meeting” scheduled for today at 11:30 a.m. is nothing more than a political forum for the chamber of commerce to present its opposing viewpoints on the issue.
That’s because living wage supporters weren’t officially invited to debate the matter, which will be voted on Nov. 5.
The two-hour luncheon called a “town hall meeting,” which will be attended by about 155 people at $25 a pop, will be predominately spent listening to two speakers who are critical of the living wage — professor David Nuemark of Michigan State University and professor Richard Sander of the University of California, Los Angeles.
The chamber of commerce has publicly fought against the living wage for two years, arguing it will damage the city’s economy.
Vivian Rothstein, director of SMART, said it would have been more beneficial and interesting if there were economists from both sides offering viewpoints, instead of just one.
“They invited people who agree with their position,” she said. “It’s more of a political forum.”
Kathy Dodson, executive director of the chamber, said the intent was not to exclude anyone from the debate and there will be at least a half hour for questions, answers and debate.
“If there is good community debate, we’ll keep the questions and answers going,” she said. “We didn’t extend any particular invitation to anyone except our members.”
“If there is good community debate, we’ll keep the questions and answers going,” — — KATHY DODSON Chamber of Commerce executive director
Whether or not the luncheon is a true “town hall meeting” in the traditional sense also can be debated. A “town hall meeting” traditionally means debate from both sides with an open forum for questions and answers from the community, much like meetings are conducted in New Hampshire and Vermont. Those states still engage in traditional town hall meetings where the community at large debates an issue openly and then votes on it.
However, town hall meetings have evolved along with the times, said Lynn Vaverck, a political science professor at UCLA. Now, it’s really just a code word, much like “all natural” is used to market foods, she added.
“In an attempt to campaign in this electronic age, it’s is a way to get your message out,” she said, adding the chamber’s luncheon is just that. “I don’t think it’s a huge violation of the spirit of town hall meetings... You might have to cut them some slack.”
But Vaverck did say she finds it odd that if true community debate is what’s being sought after, the town hall meeting shouldn’t have an admission price.
“The words ‘town hall meeting’ is suggesting that it’s an open forum to debate something,” she said. “By charging money you are systematically eliminating people from that debate.”
Rothstein said she will attend the meeting, as well as other living wage supporters, who argue workers, particularly at local luxury hotels, should be paid a decent wage.
The city council passed an ordinance last July requiring businesses within roughly a half mile of the beach that generate more than $5 million in annual revenue pay their employees $10.50 per hour, plus benefits, or $12.25 an hour without benefits. Those businesses and their supporters have asked for the ordinance to be rescinded, which is before voters this November.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 27, 2002. Read the original PDF.