IBA ENDORSES CALDERON

IBA West recently announced its endorsement of Thomas Calderon for California Insurance Commissioner. According to IBA West President Don Way, in his years as a leading member of the Assembly Moderate Democratic Caucus, Calderon has demonstrated a well-reasoned, balanced approach to state government and established a well-deserved reputation as a fair and honest person. Way added that Calderon has proven his ability to attract and build a broad base of support and personally sought out independent agents and insurance brokers to support his efforts to gain the office. As Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee, Way stated that Calderon led efforts beneficial to agents and brokers, including supporting licensing reform; opposing punitive anti-business legislation that would have undermined confidential settlements; and opposing measures to increase regulatory burdens to comply with the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Calderon will address the IBA West membership during the 2001 Installation of Officers and General Meeting Jan. 23 in Los Angeles.