Local Jobs First: Bayfront Poll: Vast Majority of Chula Vistans Want Local Workers

Bayfront Poll: Vast Majority of Chula Vistans Want Local Workers

By Nico Ferraro, UA Local 230

Six years ago, the Citizens Advisory Council – a group composed of real Chula Vistans, not just politicians and developers – proposed a great plan for the bayfront development. Their vision unified environmental and economic concerns and recognized the needs of the community. Too bad Mayor Cox chucked that plan out the window when she teamed up with Gaylord to ram their development down our throats.

We’ve been telling Mayor Cox for a long time now that the people of Chula Vista have been very clear about wanting an environmentally-sound development built by local workers, but she’s only turned a deaf ear. Now that we’ve got the cold, hard facts to back up our argument, let’s see if Mayor Cox has the gall to continue to ignore the demands of her constituents.

Gaylord released a poll last week finding that most Chula Vistans want to see the bayfront developed. That’s true, as far as it goes. But Gaylord neglected to ask some key questions. Like, what kind of development does the local community want?

This week, another poll is being released, conducted by the very reputable polling service, David Binder Research. The Binder poll agrees with Gaylord’s finding that the majority of Chula Vista’s voters want to see the bayfront developed -- but it also takes into account some of the key issues ignored by Gaylord.

Here are the Binder poll’s key findings:

88% of local voters say that it is very important that any development that occurs along the waterfront be conducted in an environmentally-friendly way.
83% of voters find it very important that development along the waterfront be done by local workers.
74% of voters prefer that local workers are offered training opportunities and new jobs first.
When respondents were asked to rank how city funding should be prioritized, providing subsidies to out-of-state developers ranked dead last. Chula Vista residents want to see public money go to essential city services — like fire and police protection.

The poll results speak for themselves, but I think it’s important to acknowledge that if Gaylord and Mayor Cox continue along their current path, they will be doing so against the direct wishes of the people of Chula Vista. Looking at the poll results, you probably won’t be shocked to learn that most Chula Vistans are concerned about an increase in traffic along the coast, that they don’t want to see tall buildings dominating the bayfront, and that they don’t want access to the waterfront restricted. And they want the development to help the local economy by creating goods jobs for local workers.

The people of Chula Vista have spoken, Mayor Cox. Isn’t it time for you to start listening?

Posted by LJF Team on December 5, 2007 11:42 AM | Permalink

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Comments

No one called me for this poll, but I certainly agree with the majority on all points.
There was another poll in November with three questions: How long have you lived in Chula Vista?; Knowing what you know now do you favor or oppose Gaylord; and Are you or any member of your family a member of a union?
I thought it was a poll by labor but I guess not. The Binder poll was much more thorough and complete.
My hope is that the city and port don't allow Gaylord to extort public subsidies out of them. The city can not afford this.
If Gaylord is not interested in a community benefits agreement and a PLA maybe they are not ready to do business in California.

Posted by: Theresa Acerro | December 5, 2007 03:10 PM