By Todd Flora
A “New Year’s resolutions” column may seem gimmicky. But New Year’s resolutions and bestowed wishes are a healthy way to crystallize our thoughts, and express our best hopes for others and ourselves. ■ To the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, I wish for a healthy economy, booked hotels, adequate parking for multitudes to “shop Santa Monica,” and increased respect for our Main Street merchants. I hope the organization will resolve to run reasonable minded candidates and respectable campaigns, and to build bridges with its political opponents rather than merely serve as City Hall’s “agitators-in-chief.” ■ To Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR), I wish for a healthy canvass, increased membership, a clear direction, and a campaign next fall that reflects the changing times. I hope the organization will resolve to go beyond its habitual practices and spend considerable resources educating the “Costa-Hawkins generation.” In other words, SMRR should actively reach out to young professionals and those under 50. The difference between 5-2 and 3-4 the other way on the City Council could be a slim electoral reality if the “same old, same old” is the norm. Want a good theme? Here it is: “New SMRR, New Generation.” ■ To the people of Santa Monica, I wish for sound public safety and responsive city government, a balanced city budget, and a quality education for your children. I hope my fellow residents will resolve to thank their lucky stars they live in this incredible city, and begin vocalizing their appreciation more for what works in this city, and less for what does-n’t. Judging from letters to the editor in our local papers, I would think I was living in an oppressive, run-down shantytown. ■ To our State Legislature, I wish for wisdom, selflessness and political courage. Why on earth did you acquiesce to repealing the law granting undocumented residents driver’s licenses? Did anybody bother to tell the public that until 1994, it was already legal for undocumenteds to obtain them? Did anybody bother to consider that thousands of undocumented residents are going to drive anyway, so we might as well insure that they meet state standards, and that their cars be smog checked? Terrorism? Please. You think obtaining a driver’s license is an “evildoer’s” only way to hurt us?
Also, why on earth did you give in so easily on the vehicle license fee? Did anybody bother to remind the public that it’s tax deductible for business expenses? I hope the State Legislature will resolve to show some guts, stand up to this governor when he’s wrong and work with him when he’s right.
Oh, and it would be nice if state government would start respecting community colleges. It is despicable how SMC and others throughout the state are undervalued by the elitists in government and higher education. Straighten up your act, Sacramento. ■ To Governor Schwarzenegger and President Bush... oh, why bother. No matter what you do, the public seems to give you a free pass. ■ Finally, myself. Despite some partisan stands and affiliations, I resolve to be as much of a bridge builder as I can be, especially in our local political community. On occasion I hold strong opinions and have reinforced some polarizing views. You might see more in 2004, but I resolve to do better. This town is a perpetual political tinderbox. But for the good of the city, we must come together to find points of agreement. Please e-mail me using the address below. Let’s begin a dialogue that will lead to creative ideas and means by which we can bring factions together. Also, please e-mail me examples of what you feel WORKS in Santa Monica. (Todd Flora is a government relations professional with a statewide children’s network. A six-year resident of Santa Monica, Todd is active in Heal the Bay, the Democratic Party, and the living wage movement in Santa Monica. To respond or reach Todd, e-mail him at:).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 6, 2004. Read the original PDF.