| Isadore Hall on Economic Development |
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Assemblyman Isadore Hall understands the importance of economic development on the state and local level. Assembly Bill X3 81, introduced by Assemblyman Hall, and recently signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, exempts activities associated with the development and operation of the proposed NFL stadium complex in Industry from the California Environmental Quality Act. The property in question is not a pristine wilderness, but has been described as a plowed-under space hard by a freeway.  “While exemptions to the California Environmental Quality Act are rare, there are extraordinary times when exemptions, such as this one, are necessary,” said Assembly member Hall. “This is an extraordinary time for California’s economy; requiring us all to find ways to protect our environment and build our economy. The proposed stadium will be the greenest in the nation, create over 18,000 jobs and is a vital project to help rebuild our state’s economic engine.” Bringing more and better paying jobs to local communities is one of Hall’s long-standing goals. He was successful in securing "Enterprise Zone" designation for Compton, bringing millions of dollars to the city. During his tenure on the Compton City Council, he created the quarterly Buisness-2-Business Breakfast Roundtable, which strengthened relationships between corporate entities and small business owners and promoted commercial and residential development throughout Southern California. As a council member, Hall passed a balanced city budget, on time, with notable reserves, while providing raises for the city workforce. Additionally, Hall oversaw efforts by the City Council that led to the construction of an 80 million dollar shopping center, which included Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, Staples, Marshalls and a 24-Hour Sports Center, thereby creating 1,500 jobs. He was also instrumental in the approval for the construction of a 25 million dollar senior center and the development of three new, gated housing communities. Assembly member Hall’s advocacy for the reopening of Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital will ultimately lead to the return of many jobs to the Los Angeles area. ACR 2 and AB 1303, authored by Hall, collectively urge the efforts of the parties to the future management and administration of the hospital to facilitate the reopening of the facility at the earliest date possible and sets up a working group to monitor their progress. Efforts continue to secure a long-term lease on the former Compton National Guard Armory, though temporarily derailed recently when Governor Schwarzenegger failed to sign AB 600, legislation authored by Hall, thus resulting in a veto. “Since the closure of the Compton Armory, the property has become little more than a source of blight to residents throughout the city,” said Assembly member Hall. Vacant and on the list of surplus state property since 2006, the four and a half acre site sits underutilized and in a state of disrepair. A long-term lease would allow the City to make necessary improvements and begin the long-term planning needed to update the facilities and better serve its residents. The City has publicly expressed support for the measure.  |
