California’s Business Climate

In response to “Coping With Self-Destruction,” editorial, Sept. 11:

There is no doubt that California is experiencing tough economic times. The “Golden State” has realized that a rising population, aging infrastructure and a greater demand for its services mean that the business community will no longer gravitate or forever remain within its borders. However, there are signs that groups within the state are aware of this problem and are beginning to make a concerted effort to improve the business climate in California.

The California Department of Commerce has recently formed “Red Teams,” emergency rescue squads composed of Commerce staffers and other government agencies, and business leaders whose main objective is to keep the business community in California. During the past six months, the business retention unit has kept 10 companies from leaving California.

Additionally, the Southern California Edison Co. together with state and local officials were able to retain Hughes Aircraft’s Electron Dynamics Division in Torrance. The utility company also has a business retention unit within its ranks.

Many problems confronting the state are the result of years of neglect and it will take time before we begin to see a marked improvement. The first lesson learned from the current economic climate may be that more may be accomplished when individual companies are able to communicate their individual needs to those who are willing to listen.

BOB EPPLE, Chairman, Assembly Subcommittee on Business Recovery and Job Retention, D-Norwalk