Politics

So, we have a new Mayor !!!!! I spent quite a bit of time with our Mayor Elect during the recent campaign. Mayor Elect Jerry Sanders spent an inordinate amount of time in Sorrento Valley and other tech clusters. I had told Jerry that he was due an honorary protect protector for spending so much time around tech companies. I also hosted a tech fundraiser (under my own name, not AeA!) with a few of my tech CEO friends, which introduced Mayor Sanders to even more tech executives. Jerry also showed up at the annual AeA High Tech Awards where he mingled with even more tech executives.

It could be argued that the time Candidate Jerry Sanders spent with tech companies was not equal with the fundraising efforts of the tech industry. Jerry Sanders was not a self funded candidate, he relied on extensive fundraising for his successful candidacy. The fact that he took time to understand the tech industry bodes well for our industry. Mayor Elect Sanders genuinely seemed to understand the importance of the tech industry as an economic driver. The reality is - he did not have to. The tech industry, has historically been apathetic in the local political scene. However this is starting to change. Technology Executives are waking up to the realization that they must be part of the process, and yes this means supporting candidates by participating in fundraising.

Several issues of critical importance to the tech industry will be decided in City Hall, Co-location, linkage fees, additional streamlining of permitting and other regulatory issues will all benefit from a more engaged tech community.