Barrales is a former president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Southwest Border Task Force and Community Resilience Task Force.

I was in the White House in early December for discussions regarding the federal budget and sequestration. These issues will have a significant impact on the national economy and on San Diego. I was reminded that San Diego needs a stronger voice in our nation’s capital on issues that impact our region.