Day 2 for Santa Clarita representatives began just as early as the first with some very productive morning meetings. The group met with members from the US Chamber of Commerce including Alex Herrgott, Director of Transportation and Infrastructure, Caroline Harris, Chief Tax Counsel and Giovanni Coratolo, Vice President of Small Business Policy. Discussing issues such as local infrastructure, congressional affairs, tax policy and the impact of small businesses, representatives from the SCV expressed viewpoints regarding the high speed rail, improvements to our local roads and highways, tax increases on US citizens and small business owners as well. They also met with the housing committee discussing issues pertaining to real estate and local housing development. The city of Santa Clarita is a thriving city with a rich economy and much of that depends upon the development and expansion of our valley.

While many in the Santa Clarita contingent met with the US Chamber of Commerce a portion of the group met with Congressman Doc Hastings Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and several key members of his staff  to explore other options to resolving the Cemex mining conflict in Santa Clarita. Congressman McKeon also had his key staff members join the meeting, including Chief of Staff Bob Cochran, Deputy Chief of Staff, Bob Haueter and Legislative Analyst, Chris Perry.

Our group’s most important issue has been trying to find a solution to the expansion of the Cemex mine in Santa Clarita. After our meeting with Doc Hastings, the full group met with Senator Boxer and Feinstein’s key staff members to discuss the bill Senator Boxer is introducing that would lead to a resolution of the Soledad Mining conflict. For more information, click here.

Our local leaders of the SCV were passionate about our plans to continue to  fight and win this battle to eliminate any potential mining in our valley. The short term and long term effects would be “catastrophic.” Both representatives from our two Senator’s offices agreed they would assist in finding a solution.

The final meeting of the day was held with representatives at the Department of Justice. Hitting on issues such as no child left behind, latchkey kids and obtaining additional grants for several of our local nonprofit organizations, the group discussed the local impact on these crucial issues.

Although the trip was only three days, the many meetings and hours spent in briefings, delegations and lobbying were extremely productive. The City of Santa Clarita was very well represented and many issues pertaining to not just our nation but thriving city were positively discussed. KHTS will host this very successful trip on an annual basis and continue to lobby for our tremendous community.

If you are interested in becoming part of our future delegations, please email us at info@hometownstation.com.