Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Open Board of Directors Meeting
Inland Atrium
3200 Inland Empire Blvd.
First Floor Conference Room
Ontario, California
Minutes
Present: Patti Arlt, Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Ken Coate, Louis Goodwin, Otis Greer, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, P.T. McEwen, Dan Murphy, Bansree Parikh, Keven Porter, Catherine Pritchett, Brian Reider, Thomas Rice, Dan Roberts, Dan Schenkel and Kristine Scott.
Guests: Frank Reyes and Arnold San Miguel.
Announcements: 1) The newly renovated Inland Action web site went live over the weekend. A preview will be displayed to members prior to adjournment. 2) There are a few openings for admission to the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. Please contact Carole Beswick if interested. 3) Members were reminded that there will not be a meeting next week (day after President’s Day) and that the meeting on February 25, 2020 will be held off site at the Stater Brothers Headquarters.
M/S/P: Minutes from February 5, 2020.
Kristine Scott introduced Josh Candelaria, Director of Government & Legislative Affairs, County of San Bernardino.
Josh Candelaria is the Governmental and Legislative Director for San Bernardino County. In this capacity, he is responsible for the direction and implementation of the legislative and intergovernmental programs. He has advanced organizational public policy initiatives and funding priorities, cultivated strategic relationships, built broad coalitions and navigated through complex legislative and political landscapes.
The County has been working to restore and rebuild relationships in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. There was a good deal of kingdom building back in 2006-2007 but the Board is very different now and County has moved from complaining about“not getting our fair share” to a solution-oriented approach which has been recognized and appreciated by the public and the legislature.
Currently our legislators are more experienced so have historical knowledge. They and their staff have been increasingly focused on accountability. Legislators appreciate how projects can benefit the entire region. Referencing specifics on successes and how funding has been spent will show the good work and responsible stewardship in our region.
It is wise to familiarize ourselves with our elected’s values and what they believe is important. Relationship building and consistent messaging are extremely beneficial.
Governor Newsom has a very different approach than his predecessor. He has more moderate positions and does not wait for the legislature to weigh in on issues before he comments or acts. He is addressing the systemic failure of the DMV with a “task force” and governments lack of technology with the Office of Digital Innovation.
The County has been successful combating homelessness of our Veterans. Rather than attempting to address the entire homeless population they found dissecting the issue into specific groups improved results.
The House Appropriations Committee members may highlight their local issues on “Member Day”. The deadline to submit letters is February 21, 2020.
Representatives of the County will travel to Washington, D.C. the first week of March. Their priorities include homelessness and mental health, infrastructure, transportation and public lands.
A Q & A period followed.
Carole Beswick summarized the public and member areas of the newly launched Inland Action web site. Questions and comments were exchanged. Members/alternate representatives will be sent a tutorial regarding access. Company logos and head shot photos of member/alternates are requested.
Meeting adjourned 8:35 a.m.