Interviews


Interviews by Stephen Ibaraki, FCIPS, I.S.P., ITCP, MVP, DF/NPA, CNP

Interview with Supervisor Michael Antonovich, of LA County

This week, Stephen Ibaraki has an exclusive interview with Supervisor Michael Antonovich, of LA County.

To listen to the interview, click on this MP3 file link

DISCUSSION:

Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic

:00:24: Michael profiles his background and shares his philosophy of life and his life mission.
"....My philosophy of life is that you make up your mind of what you are going to do and you continue working to achieve that goal....I was able to achieve both goals as an educator and as an elected official...."

:01:32: There are several big cities in China who play the roles of central cities with adjacent satellite cities, which is similar to the system of counties and cities in the USA. Based upon your deep insights and responsibilities for LA County, what are your suggestions for development of a regional economy?
"....We need to have a regional economy where all of our 88 cities have an opportunity to sit at the table and participate with the County of Los Angeles in determining our priorities and opportunities. The current system is one that does not permit that because the city of Los Angeles has too much input and involvement, so that the other 87 cities in the county at times will have their resources shifted over to LA city projects and not regional projects and programs...."

:03:20: What are your observations involving globalization of a regional economy? What are the potential pros and cons?
"....It's more pro than con....LA County is the 17th largest economy in the world. LA city doesn't even rank in the top thirty. Our two ports are the fifth busiest port complex in the world. 218 billion dollars in goods move through our ports annually and approximately 40% of all the goods that are shipped into the US come through our ports...."

:04:41: In terms of the relationship between China and the USA, what are your expectations and what do you consider a decent bilateral international relationship?
"....Our relations have improved over the years and began with President Nixon's historic visit to China...."

:06:00: You have done a lot support for children. What is your advice to Chinese children for their growth at this moment?
"....The same advice I would give to American children. It's important that they learn, study and that they discipline themselves to put education first and to also be involved in exercise and good diets so that they are not going to create future health problems for themselves..."

:07:06: What do you think of entrepreneurship supported by governmental officials?
"....I helped develop the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation back in 1981 and that was to attract, retain and grow businesses and jobs for the County of Los Angeles. To date they have created nearly 152,000 jobs with the direct impact of 7.5 billion dollars and 127 million dollars in annual tax revenue. Additionally, I helped initiate the technology incubator (BTI), a public private partnership and there are success stories....."

:09:37: What are your opinions on the roles of government in these economic down times?
"....While I'm a firm believer in laissez-faire economic policies, elected officials need to create the infrastructure to stimulate job creation and retention for the private sector in the form of deregulation and lower taxes...."

:11:18: Do you have any closing comments based on your experiences and long history of success?
"....We need to have our state in the position of attracting jobs which will boost our economy and create the necessary resources for our schools and our cities and counties to provide the vital services that they require and the incentives to create jobs...."