'San Gabriel County' makes sense

Pasadena Star News

By: Cynthia Kurtz

Posted 8/21/2013 

There has been news lately about a legal challenge to Los Angeles County’s adopted supervisorial redistricting plan. That challenge reminded me about a speech I gave more than 14 years ago - long before I worked at the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. Since the notion of county governance is being discussed, I’ll float my idea again - still relevant after all these years. Here’s the abbreviated version of my speech:

“I recommend we establish “San Gabriel County.” Let me say that this is in no way a complaint about our current elected representation which I think is good. It is, however, about a more effective governance structure and what the San Gabriel Valley could do as a distinct county.

First, we could focus on our problem and our solutions. Does anyone believe we have the same problems as the Westside, Downtown, or the South Bay? 

Second, we would receive a fairer share of funding. Between 1983 and 1999 the San Gabriel Valley contributed an estimated $400 million more to the region in transportation taxes then it received in transportation projects. 

Third, it would bring us together as a region. 

With apologies to David Letterman, here are the top 10 reasons why we need to create the new “San Gabriel County.” 

Reason #10 - Los Angeles County is too big to be governed effectively: 10 million residents versus 2 million in the SGV. I am not claiming that smaller counties are inherently better governed but I do claim that smaller counties have a better chance of being better governed.

Reason #9 - We invented the Los Angeles region at the San Gabriel Mission. After 200 years, it is time for an overhaul.

Reason #8 - Five Supervisors closer to home.

Reason #7 - It will help grow and tap the leadership potential of our Asian American and Latino communities.

Reason  #6 - We can use our tax dollars more effectively and we won’t be exporting them to downtown Los Angeles.

Reason #5 - We won’t have to fight with the MTA anymore.

Reason #4 – Foothill Transit, the Gold Line and ACE.

Reason #3 - The LA Times won’t realize we have left anyway.

Reason # 2 - In our heart of hearts we really want to do it.

And the #1 reason for creating the San Gabriel County - It’s a win-win. Creating the San Gabriel County will be just as good for the rest of Los Angeles County as it is for us. It will create a more responsive and effective county government for Los Angeles County residents.