Mayor's guests will see what goes into budget mix
This week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa invites opinion leaders and others to the annual economists briefing on what the city can expect this year.
It is all part of an effort by the mayor to step up public pressure on the City Council to rein in spending this year to try to reduce the impact of more potential cuts next year.
No surprises are expected from the economists - sales tax revenue continues to decline, the housing market remains in turmoil and the only bright spot is tourism.
But with the city projected to face a $155 million shortfall this year and another $300 million next year [Zuma Dogg has heard $600-$700 million according to one City Hall insider], Villaraigosa has proposed several cuts that have been stalled by the council.
"The longer the council waits, the more drastic the cuts will be next year," one budget adviser to the mayor said. "That's why he's pressing so hard this year."
A group of Neighborhood Council members began a drive last week to try to expand the City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee from three to five.
Lisa Sarkin, from the Studio City Neighborhood Council, issued a polite appeal to council President Eric Garcetti that said such a move would provide broader representation on the panel with greater input on planning decisions.
Garcetti aides said he would talk about it with council members but did not hold out much hope for change. [Because it would make it more difficult for Garcetti to slam his agenda through, un-opposed.]
The problem is expanding the panel would mean at least three members would have to be present to make decisions - and it is already difficult enough to get members to show up for committee hearings. [You have GOT to be kidding me? Don't you EVER call yourself a small "d" democrat, you "s" for "shady" councilmember.]
full article
zumadogg@gmail.com
Subscribe To Zuma Dogg
Posts
Comments