VALLEY NEEDS VOICED TO POLITICIANS.

Byline: BRENT HOPKINS Staff Writer

WOODLAND HILLS -- Seeking to build relations with the Valley business community and address problems confronting the local economy, politicians from across the region met at the Warner Center Marriott on Monday.

The luncheon, sponsored by the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, drew city council members from the far reaches of Los Angeles, mayors outside the area and even the district attorney.

Items discussed ranged from business tax reform and aerospace job retention to port security and even a prostitution crackdown at local motels.

``Not only are we losing jobs to other states, we're losing them to other countries,'' said Cameron Smyth, the mayor of Santa Clarita. ``That's something we've got to learn a lesson from.''

Officials had a set amount of time to address the luncheon crowd and then fielded questions from moderator Lee Kanon Alpert, a lawyer and longtime member of the Valley's tight-knit business circle.

Though the speakers' time in the spotlight was brief, VICA leaders said their presence was useful and welcomed them back.

``It's a long way between the San Fernando Valley and City Hall... and the decisions at City Hall aren't always made with us in mind,'' said Brendan Huffman, the organization's president. ``Since the secession debate, there's been good faith on both sides of the hill to have more dialogue. Are we thrilled with everything going on at City Hall? Of course not, but if we have them out here to talk, that really helps us connect with them later.''

brent.hopkins(at)dailynews.com

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) L.A. City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel answers a question Monday during the VICA luncheon at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills.

(2) City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Stephen Besser share a laugh Monday before the VICA luncheon at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer