Back room deals, critical reports kept secret, basic processes violated, insiders get the money, the public be damned -- that's what City Controller Laura Chick sees in the mayor and City Council's mad rush to put the largest solar energy plan in U.S. history on the ballot in just three weeks.
The Department of Water and Power, its engineers, planner and even its board, were left out of the process.
The only public airings of the scheme -- or what passed for them -- left council members and public in the dark. Council President Eric Garcetti defends the process he controlled by saying he investigated so nobody else needed to read the devastating critique by the DWP's consultant.
On Larry Mantle's "Air Talk" Tuesday on KPCC, Chick did what no one else in public life in L.A. has the courage to do, saying the whole deal smacks of Chicago-style politics -- something unheard of in a city that used to boast about its clean government.
Here's what Chick had to say, listen for yourself, it's important: chick1.mp3 chick2.mp3
The Department of Water and Power, its engineers, planner and even its board, were left out of the process.
The only public airings of the scheme -- or what passed for them -- left council members and public in the dark. Council President Eric Garcetti defends the process he controlled by saying he investigated so nobody else needed to read the devastating critique by the DWP's consultant.
On Larry Mantle's "Air Talk" Tuesday on KPCC, Chick did what no one else in public life in L.A. has the courage to do, saying the whole deal smacks of Chicago-style politics -- something unheard of in a city that used to boast about its clean government.
Here's what Chick had to say, listen for yourself, it's important: chick1.mp3 chick2.mp3
Ron Kaye is the former editor of the Los Angeles Daily News where he spent 23 years helping to make the newspaper the voice of the San Fernando Valley and fighting for a city government that serves the people and not special interests.
Twice in recent years, Los Angeles Magazine listed Kaye among the city’s most influential people, specifically in the area of politics. Kaye has been variously described in the media as the “accidental anarchist,” “the Patrick Henry of the San Fernando Valley” and a “passionate populist.” He is now committed to
carrying on his crusade for a greater Los Angeles as an ordinary citizen. Previously, Ron worked at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner,
Associated Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Australian as well as papers
in Fairbanks, Alaska and Yakima, Wash. He also wrote for Newsweek magazine, The Guardian in London and the National Enquirer.
Laura Chick is the Straight Talk Express.
With Laura Chick as city controller we have had someone who has provided transparency. Now that she is termed out of office we need someone who can continue to provide the taxpayers the truth. That someone is Nick Patsaaouras. He has the track record, city experience and desire.
With Laura Chick as city controller we have had someone who has provided transparency. Now that she is termed out of office we need someone who can continue to provide the taxpayers the truth. That someone is Nick Patsaouras. He has the track record, city experience and desire.
The Union News
http://theunionnews.blogspot.com/search?q=antonio+villaraigosa
According to LA Times, on December 23, 2008 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wrote a letter to the judge hearing Esteban Nunez’s case to reduce the bail.
”Writing on city letterhead, the mayor of America's second largest city said that he had known the accused "for over ten years." He continued: "In my heart, I know Esteban Nuñez as a young man of good and upright character."
http://latinopoliticsblog.com/?p=392
One thing is for sure. Wendy Greuel is no Laura Chick.
She is one of the sponsors of this backroom deal, but had no clue about the cost to rate payers.
Just what we need: a controller who has no clue about the numbers that has been brought off by the DWP and its fat cat union bosses.
Kevin Price, Host of the Price of Business on CNN radio wrote at www.BizPlusBlog.com that Obama may already be one of the most corrupt Presidents ever and he hasn't even been inaugurated yet.