Happy Monday to you!

I want to make yet another detour this week from regular chamber business and discuss something that is vital to all of us, whether we are members of the RCoC or not. This week it’s important that we talk about voting and why it matters.

I simply want to encourage you to vote and to do that, you must be registered. California is one of 37 states as well as the District of Columbia to offer voters the option of online registration – click the link below for more information about the process. While the deadline to sign up online (as well as by mail) is October 22nd California voters still have until election day, November 6th to register in person.

https://registertovote.ca.gov/

Its an election season and it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Loud voices and opinions can often drown out what matters most during this time of year – your voice and your opinion. We get swept to seas by the vast volume of everything coming towards us, but I would encourage you to plant your feet and listen to your own thoughts and feelings. They are the thoughts that matter to your community. Make it a habit every election season to read your county voter election guide – you’ll learn about all the measures, propositions, and candidates in your area – and make yourself knowledgeable about the matters that will impact you, your family, and your community.

After you’ve cleared your mind of the noise, educated yourself on the issues at hand, and are clear on what you feel, go vote on it. In fact, make a day of it! Find your local polling place, take a friend and encourage them to vote as well. You can treat yourselves afterward on a job well done. To find your polling place, view your voter status, and more visit the below link.

https://www.cocovote.us/registration-and-voting-options/my-voting-information/#Search

Again, voting isn’t about the opinions of others; its about yours. Take this opportunity to make your thoughts and feelings heard and to positively shape your community.

I hope to see you again next week,

I believe that success is communal: ensuring the health, well being, and comfort of our families, friends, neighbors. I believe that success is best shared: bridging ties between corporations, local leaders, and constituents to create a city that will serve a snapshot into the best aspects of the American spirit: diversity, equity, and a drive to innovate.

The Chamber Board urges you to vote NO on Proposition 6. If passed, Prop 6 would repeal the 2017 Road Repair and Accountability Act (also known as SB 1) and eliminate $5.4 Billion a year in existing transportation and road repair funding throughout California. That’s $1,870,388 a year in funding eliminated for the City of Richmond which means less road repairs and cuts in funding for Contra Costa County priority projects. To find out more, click here.

Other ballot measures of interest that may have an impact on your Richmond business:

Measure H – Richmond Documentary Transfer Tax initiative

Measure T –  Richmond Vacant Property Special Parcel Tax Initiative

Proposition 10 –

Expands Local Government’s Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property (i.e., Repeal of Costa Hawkins)

Regional Measure FF – East Bay Regional Park District Parcel Tax Extension

Other resources:

• Easy Voter Guide
• League of Women Voters – State Ballot Measure Pros and Cons

The Chamber also asked all 13 City Council candidates what business in the City of Richmond meant to them. Hear those who provided answers to the following questions to help guide you as you cast your vote this November:

• What does economic development mean to you?
• How will you work with the business community if elected?
• What does job retention mean to you?

Click on each name to learn what they had to say!

  Dave Schoenthal         Vinay Pimple       Eleanor Thompson     Demnlus Johnson