December 08, 2010 at 4:35 PM

Isabelle Espino was selected by the Board of Directors Thursday to serve as the Chula Vista Civic Assocation's next President & CEO. Before becoming President, Espino led the Chula Vista's leading business and community non-profit organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

Past President & CEO Ed Herrera had led the business and community non-profit organization during the most critical times including much of the recession. Herrera is known for his leadership in the defeat of a 1 cent sales tax hike, proposing various budgetary and fiscal reforms, the defeat of the crash/accident tax, the defeat of a telecommunications users tax expansion measure, as well as his contributions on various city committees including the Development Services Oversight Committee, Redevelopment Implementation Plan working group, and Southwest Specific Plan working group.

"We've fought for the same budgetary reforms that are only being considered as of this past month a over a year ago and have advocated for fiscally responsible government, protecting the interests of taxpayers and businesses. I look forward to continuing that effort so that we can restore fiscal health to this city for the services we enjoy." said President-elect Isabelle Espino.

Herrera will remain active in the association's membership and pledges to keep a watchful eye. Herrera says "We need to promote business and generate jobs. That's what will revitalize our economy. That's what will revitalize our city and help fund the services we enjoy while alleviating the burden on families. We can only be taxed so much, but at the same time we need core services. So, I'm going to work. " Herrera said.  "The sooner we understand that the success of our economy demands a cohesive regional strategy, then we will get things moving faster." His decision not to seek another term will allow him more time to concentrate and avoid being a spokesperson for two organizations.

Herrera believes that the organization is about developing genuine leaders with a real heart. He says there are too many politicos with political agendas and the same people that have controlled the debate for too long.  "I have faith in our new leadership. We have to have a servant heart and that means knowing how to follow as well as lead. I told [the Board] a year ago that is about serving a cause greater than ourselves and the ability to empower average people who care. I'm very proud to say we have developed new leaders with real hearts for their community and we have been successful in all that we have set our sights on whether it is protecting working families and businesses by leading the charge against regressive taxes or proposing real solutions and reforms."

Espino has been an invaluable asset to  the business and community non-profit organization. Espino was instrumental in the defeat of a 1 cent sales tax hike, proposing various budgetary and fiscal reforms, the defeat of the crash/accident tax, the defeat of a telecommunications users tax expansion measure, as well as advocating for public services.

Ms. Espino resides in East Chula Vista and is a proud parent whose children attend local schools.