Former State Controller Steve Westly Urges Passage of Measure B

Former State Controller Steve Westly blogged about his support for Measure B.

From:

California Majority Report - camajorityreport.com/

Steve Westly

Green Energy in LA Now - Vote Yes on Measure B

February 23, 2009 @ 6:35 AM

California has always been a place where innovators come to test bold ideas and blaze new paths. I was part of one such movement, as a Senior Vice President at EBay I saw the power of smart investment in new technology to create jobs. Two years ago I founded the Westly Group to invest in green technologies because I believe that we are at the beginning of another such revolution.

Measure B, the solar energy and job creation program on the March 3rd ballot in Los Angeles, is the kind of bold plan we used to dream about back in 1980 when I worked for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Solar and Conservation under President Jimmy Carter. A municipal renewable energy plan that will put solar panels on rooftops right in the city, avoiding the construction of expensive transmission lines; a plan that will be able to replace dirty coal and natural gas plants located around the city with clean energy while creating thousands of good paying jobs in Los Angeles in solar manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

As a former State Controller who spent years fighting for transparency and fiscal responsibility I carefully studied Measure B before endorsing it. I can say with confidence that this is a smart investment. A recent comprehensive analysis which tested over 10,000 cost simulations concluded that once Measure B is fully implemented LADWP ratepayers will continue to enjoy the lowest rates in Southern California.

Measure B also mandates some of the strongest safeguards ever enacted in LA to ensure an unprecedented level of accountability and transparency to protect LADWP ratepayers. It establishes an independent Citizen’s Advisory Committee that is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this plan to ensure it is done in the most efficient and cost effective manner. It also mandates an independent annual audit of the solar program by the City Controller to ensure each dollar is spent wisely and that the program is on track to reach its goals on time.

I spent the past two years working tirelessly to elect a candidate who shared my vision for America. President Obama shares my conviction that we can transform our economy and create millions of jobs by investing in renewable energy. President Obama and I both agree that we as citizens can’t wait on Washington to lead, now is our moment to begin the transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable sources of energy, and from old manufacturing jobs to new green jobs. That’s why I am joining an unprecedented coalition of environmental leaders, organized labor, health advocates, and energy experts in actively supporting the passage of Measure B. I hope you will join us to make LA green.

Steve Westly was California's State Controller from 2003-2007. He is now a Managing Partner of The Westly Group, a clean technology-oriented venture capital firm located in Menlo Park, California.