Invitation to Willie Brown Draws Fire
The Orange County Business Council is coming under fire from the chairman of the county’s Republican Party for inviting outspoken San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to give the keynote address at the organization’s annual dinner.
In a March 4 letter to Orange County’s legislative delegation, GOP leader Thomas A. Fuentes said that “bringing Willie Brown to the Orange County community is counterproductive to the interests of business.”
Business council leaders defended the invitation, saying that Brown will offer a helpful perspective about California politics and the economy.
“If you are looking to improve the business climate, you have to look at both sides. You have to be bipartisan,” said Ron Kirkpatrick, marketing manager for the business council. “We wanted someone different and interesting who has a lot to say about [things at] the state level.”
Kirkpatrick said about a dozen members phoned and faxed “to express their displeasure” about Brown’s appearance. Nonetheless, the organization is sticking by its decision, he added.
Brown will speak March 27 at the Irvine Marriott. He is not charging a fee, but the business council is paying his travel costs, Kirkpatrick said.
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