Grayson: Thoughtful Solutions to California’s Tough Challenges

My name is Dr. Ari Grayson and I am running to represent the 37th State Senate District because I know that the challenges California faces require thoughtful solutions. I am a scientist and an educator specializing in architectural engineering and psychology. I know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is good for our environment, our health, our economy – and it creates good jobs. A true leader sees connections and opportunities in challenges. Unfortunately, incumbent senator John Moorlach seems incapable of making important connections.

Moorlach attacked SB 32, a bill that requires California reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moorlach dismissed greenhouse gas emissions saying “the state’s global impact is next to nothing.” Moorlach fails to understand that the greenhouse gases produced in California affect the health of our communities before they spread around the world.

Rather than addressing the serious issue of greenhouse gas reduction, Moorlach turned to attacking the pensions of teachers, police, and firefighters. Moorlach told the OC Register that pensions contributed to State and local budget woes. But “Moorlach was dead wrong and he knew it.” The real problem was an economic slowdown. Moorlach is also wrong when he proclaims that dealing with greenhouse gases will hurt our economy.

Here is the reality:

• California wins when California leads: California should invest in and lead the world in the manufacture and the use of green technologies. We should be the Silicon Valley of green technologies.

• Green technology will strengthen our economy: Green technology presents an opportunity for innovation and creation of new businesses and will create the good paying jobs we need to keep our economy strong.

• Smog and pollution: Smog once plagued Southern California, but our air quality is improving. We need to work to ensure we always have clean air, sanitary water, and safe food.

• Global climate change threatens our communities: Sea levels are rising and even modest storms cause flooding on Balboa Island in Newport Beach. Within a generation many of California’s beaches will be eroded and gone. The cost of relocating homes, businesses, and the infrastructure could easily be tens of billions of dollars.

Moorlach lacks the vision of a leader. A leader knows what they’re costing us is as important as what you’re saving us. We simply can’t afford Moorlach; he’s costing us too dearly.

Ari Grayson seeks election to the 37th Senate District, which includes the communities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach Tustin, Villa Park and portions of Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Orange.