As part of our dynamic and intellectual luncheon forum series, Pacifica Institute of Orange County was honored to host the Mayor of Fountain Valley, Michael Vo, who shared his insight regarding the topic, “How Public Policy Can Entice Economic Development.”
Mayor Vo was one of the Vietnamese “boat people,” a political refugee, who escaped the Vietnamese Communists in search of freedom and human dignity. Having arrived in the United States at the age of 17, he has lived in Fountain Valley for over twenty-five years with his wife and two children. He attended college in Honolulu, West Los Angeles, the University of Phoenix, and Irvine College of Law. In 2010, he was the first Vietnamese American and the first foreign-born city official ever elected to the Fountain Valley Council, and he currently serves as the city Mayor.
Mayor Vo began by appealing to the predominantly Turkish-American audience, comparing his own experiences to theirs as a fellow first generation immigrant to the United States. He noted that although he, and many of the members of the community, may strongly identify with their ethnic and cultural heritage, and consider themselves “Turkish” and “Vietnamese,” their children are distinctly American. He hopes to better his community for the benefit of his children, grandchildren, and future generations. He promoted engagement in the community and the stressed the importance of service, stating that he hopes his children can proudly say that their parents helped serve the public.
Mayor Vo discussed some of the efforts made to boost the economy since the 2008 financial crisis. The United States has issued a stimulus package of 100 billion dollars, China issued 600 billion, and Japan issued 200 billion in order to stimulate growth. Locally, California issued a 1.5 billion dollar stimulus package for the film industry, in order to maintain business within the state.
Locally, Mayor Vo has made efforts to maintain business and boost the economy of Fountain Valley. By offering to waive permit fees for businesses, local business are encouraged to open within the city, which then encourages locals to shop locally, which boosts tax funds used for city services. He also discussed how offering 50 percent rebates for contracts in Fountain Valley, more businesses would open in the city, thus stimulating the local economy. He stated that Fountain Valley will have a ½ million dollar surplus in 2014-2015.
Mayor Vo also takes a personal interest in the business owners of Fountain Valley. He went out and met with Fountain Valley’s top 25 employers, and recently organized a “Mayor’s Circle” meeting, hosted at the Hyundai headquarters. This meeting brought together local businesses, community leaders, and even school principals, who were able to mingle and discuss ways in which to strengthen the community together.
Pacifica Institute would like to thank Mayor Vo for joining us to discuss the ways in which public policy can entice economic development. We would also like to thank all of our guests for their attendance and participation.