PLEASANTON, CA – In conjunction with the CEOs of the Pleasanton and San Leandro Chambers of Commerce, Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) today launched a first of its kind business contest entitled, “Assemblymember – Give this Regulation an Extreme Makeover!”   Assemblymember Hayashi is calling on business leaders and owners to participate in the contest by identifying specific state regulations that are either useless both in form and/or function or creates an excessive undue burden on the business community. 

“This idea of soliciting feedback from those who are directly impacted by unnecessary or outdated laws is both novel and resourceful,” stated David Bouchard, CEO of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.  “I applaud Assemblymember Hayashi’s effort to address the issues impacting our business community in a proactive manner.”

"The San Leandro Chamber is thrilled to be partnering with Assemblymember Mary Hayashi,” said Diana Gentry, CEO of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce.  “We believe the business leaders are in the best position to advise the Assemblymember on what regulations are challenging to a thriving business environment." 

Assemblymember Hayashi announced that she will dedicate part of her 2008 legislative program to the winning entry in order to have the regulation deleted or amended either by the introduction of legislation or other means.  The winner will also be invited to present and defend the rationale for such change in a private meeting with the head of the administering state agency. 

“The ability to sustain a viable and growing economy that affords quality jobs for working families depends upon sound public policy,” explained Assemblymember Hayashi.  “Although the contest has a funny name, this is a serious opportunity for business leaders to provide me with feedback before I return to Sacramento in January.”

n addition to the winning entry, other notable entries will be shared with Assemblymember Hayashi’s colleagues in the California State Legislature.  Entries can be submitted in writing to the Assemblymember’s District Office, 22320 Foothill Blvd., Suite 540, Hayward, CA 94541 or through an online submission at www.assembly.ca.gov/hayashi.  Deadline to submit entry is November 16, 2007.

Hayashi serves the 18th Assembly District, which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo.