Open Letter to Martin Romjue - LCT Articles

The breadth of this success is mind boggling. In California there are nine major airports, multiple cities (too numerous to mention) and 58 different counties. California limousine operators live and work, (own businesses) in one of the most unfriendly business environments in the United States. The State of California taxes their citizens $10.66 per hundred, when the average American citizen only pays $10.42 to the U.S. Government. The State of California is bankrupt because of it's insatiable appetite for spending but California government still wants more. The limousine industry is one of many industries targeted by government agencies, especially airports, for getting more revenue for their own venues.

At a time when limousine businesses are 30 percent down, the state, municipal governments and the major airports are still looking for more regulation/fees and services to provide limousine operators as a way to increase revenue at their airport. If you are wondering what I am talking about?

Repeat after me:

"California Airports LOVE Limousine Companies like "gluttons"
LOVE their lunch".

In this toxic business environment, the GCLA has successfully held back numerous attempts to "over-regulate", "over-reach" and "over-legislate", for the purpose of increasing fees for superfluous services provided by airports that could make the limousine industry, in California, as we know it an unviable business option.

The GCLA has achieved its' top priorities:

• Blocking additional regulation of the limousine industry at the state/airport/municipal levels
• Advancing legislative goals that benefit our industry
• Stopping legislation that damages our industry
• Preventing balkanization of our industry, by the nine major airports
• Establishing a working relationship with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), working collaboratively with the agency to protect limousine businesses in California
• Rolling back airport requirements so that no regulation can be imposed on the limousine industry which exceeds that of the CPUC (The State)

These amazing achievements were accomplished against overwhelming odds. The GCLA took on those challenges, fought each battle and won. This all occurred with the leadership of Alan Shanedling, president of the GCLA and with the help of our dynamic lobbyists Gregg Cook and Rob Grossglauser. The GCLA Board of Directors and membership have supported and have taken on all "threats" to our businesses seriously and fought back decisively. Most importantly, we have been victorious. That as our goal as an association and is our record to date.

California is one toughest business environments in which to operate a business. Sadly, this state of affairs will likely be exported from California to your state soon. Therefore, I recommend that all other state associations should organize, prepare and take action against the more zealous regulation/legislation/fees which are most likely coming your way.The GCLA is committed to "protecting" our jobs, businesses and families from the over-reaching arm of all levels of Government.

In closing, we appreciate the recognition that LCT has given the GCLA in awarding the Association Award of the year in 2008. We also appreciate your continuing coverage our challenges in the LCT magazine.

Sincerely,

Jonna Sabroff
EVP & Legislative Chairperson
Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) Representing 6,000 companies in California