Simi Valley needs jobs that pay a living wage...

For a long time, Simi Valley had all its eggs in one basket, counting on large, seemingly bulletproof, corporations to provide employment for residents, but when the bubble burst it seemed like no one saw it coming, especially not those big employers who are now gone or extremely downsized.  

Simi Valley can no longer afford to be offensive to small business.  

In Jan 2010, at a trade show I met a small business owner who had a thriving business in Chatsworth Ca. Chris was looking to expand his business, which specializes in machine tool and die work. This is the kind of small, light manufacturing that we should be seeking out to set up shop in our town. I talked to his manager at length at that Las Vegas trade show, trying hard to get them to see the light and come to the greatest city in Southern California, Simi Valley.  

Less than one month after the trade show where we met, Chris was here in Simi Valley applying for his business license and permits. Chris was told by Building and Safety that it would take approximately two weeks to REVIEW his application. Chris took his business proposal to the City of San Fernando and received his permits and licensing in 48 hours. This type of business pays a starting wage of about $17.00 per hour and would have hired 2-4 new employees. This is what we need, why did we lose it??

I will find out the answer and bring it to you when you elect me to the Simi Valley City Council.

When I know why, you’ll know why.  What we need is transparency.  We need to streamline this process and stop punishing small business. 

As a Simi Valley City Council member, I will actively seek out those small businesses that make America great and try to bring them here.  

I welcome all aboveboard legal businesses -big and small- to Simi Valley, and I want everyone to prosper because when our businesses prosper, the City prospers.