March 10, 2004
For more information, contact
David Wert, Public Information
Officer
(909) 387-4082
ONTARIO, Calif. – Board of Supervisors
Chairman Bill Postmus proclaimed the state of the County of San Bernardino is
“strong and getting stronger” and outlined an ambitious plan to boost the
county’s economic development efforts before a packed Ontario Convention Center
audience during his State of the County Address today.
Speaking to approximately 1,100 county
residents, elected officials, business leaders and community leaders, Chairman
Postmus also detailed the county’s challenges and accomplishments in a
multitude of areas, especially public safety – namely crime prevention, flood
control, and fire prevention.
The emphasis, however, was on economic
development as Chairman Postmus unveiled a proposal to re-energize the county’s
efforts to attract employers to our communities.
“Our newly retooled, and more importantly
– better-funded – economic development program will help us maintain and
improve an environment that’s open for business,” Chairman Postmus said.
Mr. Postmus called for the formation of a
new Economic Development Agency within the county organization that would
report directly to County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer. He also said the county must:
§
Ensure that
workforce-training programs can provide businesses with the workers they need.
§
Provide
businesses with a solid point of contact for information on locations and
regulatory processes.
-MORE-
March 10, 2005
Page 2
§
Carry out
marketing and public relations programs that make businesses aware of the
county’s rapidly expanding, young, and highly skilled workforce.
Chairman Postmus also spoke about the many
challenges that have faced the county recently, and how the county has dealt
with those challenges to the benefit of residents. He pointed out that although the county is in the midst of its
rainiest season in recorded history – this coming one year after unprecedented
fires denuded virtually every watershed above the San Bernardino valley – much
less destruction has occurred than in past rainy seasons thanks to the efforts
of several county departments.
“Although lives have tragically been lost
in some of our more severe storms, the county’s efforts have certainly helped
prevent many more tragedies from occurring,” Chairman Postmus said.
He also commended county agencies, other
governmental organizations, business, and community groups for continuing to
effectively deal with the bark beetle infestation that has caused severe tree
mortality in the county’s mountains.
During his State of the County Address,
Chairman Postmus:
§
Pointed out
how the county’s restructuring of the financial organization of the County Fire
Department will ensure future solvency and maximize service levels.
§
Commended
the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney for stepping up the county’s war
against gangs, and outlined the Board of Supervisors’ efforts to relieve jail
overcrowding by leasing jail space in Adelanto.
§
Recognized
the Sheriff and Supervisor Gary C. Ovitt for making information on sex
offenders more accessible to the public.
§
Cited the
county’s accomplishments in the Public Health arena, specifically the ABC
restaurant grading system, the fight against West Nile Virus, flu vaccinations
for the elderly, and performance contracts for ambulance providers.
Chairman Postmus concluded his address by
stating that the county’s tremendous economic growth presents many challenges,
but that those challenges can also present themselves as opportunities –
specifically to bring more and better-paying jobs and a better quality of life
for all county residents.
“We need to be creative in our approach to growth
challenges, and work cooperatively among our local, state and federal agencies
and community organizations,” Chairman Postmus said. “If we do that, the state of our county will get even stronger.”
-30-