I cannot imagine the wonder that falls upon the leader of a city when he meets the Chief Executive of the United States.
No matter which party the two executives belong to, the presence of the President adds a boost for a city that commands an immense concentration of wealth and influence in Los Angeles County.
Still, I would prefer to see mayors in the South Bay, like Howard Fishman of Hermosa Beach, hold the President accountable for a stimulus that did not stimulate, regulations that have regulated small businesses out of profits and away from expansion and innovation, and tax policies which have created more confusion than relief for beleaguered companies and citizens looking for a break during an economic recovery which has not recovered much.
Mr. Fishman has demonstrated qualified leadership to the Hermosa Beach community, even if his decisions and the votes of his council have not pleased everyone. The President of the United States has demonstrated very little leadership when it comes to ending the reckless spending and easing the crush debt which threatens this country and our future.
Nice photo-ops highlight the credibility of an influential politicians, but a civic leader should not be afraid to expect better policy and more humility from a president who has done so much to undermine the freedom and autonomy of cities and states throughout the country.