Coronado resident John Renison is hoping to represent Coronado, and all of California State District 39, in Sacramento, come January 2017.
Renison has lived in Coronado about eight years. He lives in the Cays with his wife, Renata, and his two daughters, who attend Sacred Heart School. The family attends Sacred Heart Church. He is an entrepreneur and an owner of two small businesses.
Renison has also been a speaker for TedX.com. He gave a talk at SDSU entitled “To Lose the Child Within.” In this talk Renison argues that, “even as we get older, it is important to embrace our inner child because imagination is the key to ingenuity.”
Renison is hoping to add service as our State Senator to his resume in 2017. The position he is running for is the District 39 State Senate seat. This State Senate seat represents our interests in Sacramento. This seat is currently held by Marty Block (D). Mr. Block is not seeking re-election.
Other Republican Contenders
To win that seat, Renison will have to win one of the top two spots on the ballot in this June 7 primary election. Vying for these top two spots along with Renison are Democrat Toni Atkins, and Republicans J. Bribiesca, a retired doctor and Richard Fago.
California has a top-tier voting system in the primaries for all political races other than U.S. president. This means that Republicans Renison, Bribiesca, Fago, and Democrat Atkins will be running in June for the top-two spots for the ballot in November.
In theory, it is possible that two Republicans will be on the ballot in November; but given that Atkins served on San Diego City Council from 2000 to 2008, has served in the State Assembly since 2010, and was elected by her peers to be the Speaker of the Assembly from 2014 to March 2016, it is not likely that she will be bumped from the ballot in November.
When asked about his Republican contenders, Renison said that Mr. Bribiesca is “a nice, great guy, but I’m a better candidate.” He suggested that while Mr. Bribiesca’s experience as a retired doctor is admirable, Renison’s own experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner is what San Diego needs to spur job creation and job growth.
Renison did not have much to say about Richard Fago: “I think he is a restaurant owner.” My own research did not yield much information about Mr. Fago.
Renison has been endorsed by much of the Republican leadership including Senator Jean Fuller, Senator Joel Anderson, Senator Pat Bates, Senator Andy Vidak, Senator Bob Huff and Senator Tom Berryhill.
He has also been endorsed by Coronado Councilman Richard Bailey. I asked Councilman Bailey about his endorsement and he had this to say: “I am supporting John Renison for State Senate because he will bring private sector experience to Sacramento and advocate for policies that make California business-friendly once again. John is also a local Coronadan that understands the issues facing our city and will be a strong ally as our representative.”
Ideas for Coronado
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial perspective, Renison had some innovative thoughts about tourism in Coronado. While a State Senator has no decision making power on Coronado local policy, it was interesting to hear some ideas forwarded by this resident and small business owner.
Strongly against destroying Coronado’s charm, Renison suggested more could be done to transform Coronado into a Martha’s Vineyard. Some ideas including more retail carts in addition to the Flower Lady cart at Rotary Park and the coffee cart by Bay Books. He welcomes more street fairs and farmers markets, although not necessarily along Orange Avenue due to traffic concerns.
Renison also suggested that more could be done to promote Coronado’s wonderful history and support Coronado’s businesses. One idea was to recreate a replica of Tent City on the beach. Renison wasn’t in any way suggesting that we obliterate our beautiful calm beach; he was suggesting that there may be fresh ideas for our city that haven’t been considered yet. Overall, Renison pointed out that there is so much more to Coronado than the Hotel Del Coronado that could be celebrated.
With this in mind, Renison is a strong advocate of Coronado arts and multi-cultural events. Renison also suggested that more trees along Orange Avenue would enhance the beauty of this iconic street.
Small Business Owner
Renison is a small business owner and an entrepreneur. He owns two San Diego-based businesses. Britton & Company is a family based business. Renison is the CEO and his mother is president. Licensed by the Department of Homeland Security, Britton & Company clear commercial goods through, in, and out of the U.S., helping import-export businesses clear customs and meet custom compliance requirements.
Renison’s second business is Piggyback Technologies. Think of corporate Uber, but for packages. Businesses in San Diego can sign up as a partner to Piggyback Tech. When Piggyback Tech’s customers need a same-day delivery in San Diego, PiggybackTech make it happen.
Renison is a pro-business candidate and is particularly passionate about controlling the explosion of the minimum wage and reducing over-regulation, particularly over-regulation in the housing market. He supports policies and laws that stimulate large, medium, and small businesses. Renison is particularly excited about the on-demand economy.
Renison suggested that “[California State Government] is not friendly toward small business.”
He wants to bring back businesses to California, pointing out that both Carl’s Junior and Jamba Juice announced that they will be moving their headquarters out of California.
Renison explained that” “We need to evaluate our state policies, with economics in mind. Our liberal state legislators don’t want to evolve, but we have to adapt to new economies or we are going to be left behind. ” Renison pointed-out that states like Michigan have a state office of entrepreneurship and wonders if that kind of appointment would make sense for California as well.
Renison said that “He knows what it takes working families to make it in this world.”
Specifically citing the permit and licensing process, he argues that there is too much regulation on businesses, especially in San Diego.
Renison emphasized: “California has incredible opportunity for business growth, but we have both hands tied behind our backs. In 2014 alone, about 60 California businesses relocated just to Texas. And with those businesses went jobs, tax dollars and talented workers. Now is the time for government to step aside and let the free market thrive.”
Minimum Wage on Ballot this June
Whenever I’ve talked with Coronado Republicans, the rise in the minimum wage is an important issue. In January 2016 the California minimum wage increased from $9.00 to $10.00.
If elected, Renison would vote to stop additional minimum wage increases. He, along with many Republicans I’ve spoken with, believes that an increased minimum wage stifles and strangles business growth and creation causing a reduction in overall employment.
This June, voters will decide whether or not to increase the San Diego-specific minimum wage above what is required by state law. The proposed San Diego minimum wage is $11.50/hr. Many municipalities have specific minimum wage requirements about the same as what the Federal and State governments require. The Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr. Most states have minimum wage laws similar to the federal requirement.
If you’d like to learn more about the San Diego minimum wage vote, this 5 minute KPBS interview accurately portrays both sides of this.
Second Amendment Supporter
Renison is a gun hobbyist and enthusiast and is a strong supporter of Second Amendment Rights.
No matter who you vote for, remember that June 7 is the day to exercise your constitutional right and privilege to vote for our elected leaders.
You can find out more about this candidate on his website and facebook page.
