Put aside your skepticism, forgive the past and move forward -- that's my advice for the start of the next four years of city government.
But never forget what they've done to you and our LA and take their inauguration day.promises as gospel. Hold them to their words.
The mayor's speech outlined his achievements -- as he measures them -- in jobs, environment, public transit, cimgreen energy, transportation, public safety -- and set them as his priorities for his second term.
Astonishingly, as commentator Shirley Bebitch Jeffe notes at the end of the video, he makes only an oblique reference to the city budget catastrophe he's overseen -- something he blamed on forces beyond his control. And he promised to hit residents hard with DWP rate increases to pay for his green energy at any cost program and to subsidize companies' utility costs to get them to locate here.
In her speech after being sworn in as City Controller, Wendy Greuel echoed the themes of her predecessor, Laura Chick, by pledging to be an independent watchdog on how the public's money is spent.
In a strong, straightforward speech, Greuel acknowledged the serious money problems facing the city now and in coming years and promised her first project will be to provide the public with a clear and detailed picture of city finances.
Those are big promises and you can be sure the public will be watching.
For her part, Chick is making a splash in Sacramento as Inspector General overseeing spending of billions of dollars in federal stimulus money. She's on the cover of a national magazine, Governing.I'm quoted as saying, "She was something like a Joan of Arc standing in the way and calling attention to the greater excesses of the system. At City Hall they hate her guts. But out in the community, she's never been more popular."
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.
AnVil's speech was spooky. Antonio either has no idea what the public wants, or is working very hard to create a different perception of what they want. very spooky.
So like, when does he get indicted, again-like? Like soon?
Buh-chet?
Wah buh-chet?
Me don neeed no stinkin' buh-chet!
Ma you'none homies got ma bak.
word.
Mayor Villaraigosa said his first term was “All About Me.” The second term is “All About Us”, but when the ceremony was over at the south lawn. He didn’t have the decency to greet the distinguished audience, constituents, that were left there waiting to congratulate the Mayor or at least take a picture with him.
City Attorney Trutanich and Councilmember Zine were the only two elected officials that cheerfully greeted constituents and made themselves available for photos.
Mayor Villaraigosa said his first term was “All About Me.” The second term is “All About Us”, but when the ceremony was over at the south lawn. He didn’t have the decency to greet the distinguished audience, constituents, that were left there waiting to congratulate the Mayor or at least take a picture with him. Actions speak louder than words, speeches are meaningless.
City Attorney Trutanich and Councilmember Zine were the only two elected officials that cheerfully greeted constituents and made themselves available for photos.