GOP debate was great for Simi
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT- Ten Republican Party candidates field questions from MSNBC's Chris Matthews beneath the wings of Air Force One during last week's first GOP debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

In the aftermath of the presidential candidates' debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library last week, Simi Valley officials are reflecting on the event, saying they are pleased with the various benefits that resulted.

City Manager Mike Sedell said the debate was financially beneficial to the city.

"There was a huge infusion into the local economy," Sedell said. "There are literally tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars trickling down. The money spent on lunches, dinners, hotel rooms . . . they hired local contractors, and then it keeps rippling down as they go on to spend it in the city too."

Sedell said taxes such as the bed occupancy fee collected at hotels exploded, directly affecting public services in the city. And Mayor Paul Miller said the city's image was represented well.

"The city was very favorably portrayed on TV with the debate," Miller said. "The Reagan Library is really a wonderful asset, not only to Simi and Ventura County, but to all of Southern California."

City Councilmember Barbra Williamson attended the debate and joined a group mingling with candidate Rudy Giuliani at Paul's Italian Villa after the event.

"It was a real win for the city of Simi Valley having something here that the whole nation could watch if they wanted," Williamson said. "It was a bright, shining star for the city, that's for sure."

Williamson and library communications director Melissa Giller said one letdown was the limited availability of seating. Giller said they had hoped to release some tickets to the public, but there just wasn't space.

"I think (the residents) are very proud," Williamson said. "It's times like these I wish we had a facility that could hold 5,000 or 10,000 people so residents could go and see first hand. Unfortunately, that wasn't able to happen."

Because few locals were able to attend the debate, Sedell said a focus was on limiting the event's impact on residents.

"We put together a good plan with the library to ensure that all residents can go on living their everyday lives," Sedell said. "Our partnership with the Ronald Reagan Library and foundation is a very valued partnership at the city. We work closely with them to ensure that any events they have up there make us all proud."

Miller added that local law enforcement did a great job in making sure that traffic problems were minimal; no major incidents were reported.

"The debate was interesting," said Miller, who witnessed the event live. "But it really wasn't a debate. It was more like a forum since there were that many people and that short amount of time."

Miller said nothing he heard swayed him in the direction of any candidate.

"As far as I'm concerned I have a 'wait-and-see' attitude," Miller said. "I didn't hear enough from any one of them to make up my mind."

Williamson said she expects Giuliani to be back for the final debate, also planned for Simi Valley.

She didn't comment on his political stance, but said she was blown away by his "milliondollar smile."

"It's always an honor to be in the company of such prestigious guests," Williamson said. "For a little City Council member in Simi Valley to get to rub elbows with the who's who of the political world, it was quite an honor.

"Back in the early '70s and '60s," Williamson added, "people used to call the city 'Slimy Valley.' Those people are choking on their words now."