Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday
The first of what could be several lawsuits in Mayor Villaraigosa's Ticketgate scandal was filed this week by Los Angeles citizen Jose Freddie Vallejos. The suit seeks reimbursement to cover the costs of the Michael Jackson memorial from both the Jackson Family and AEG. Central to the case is that the Mayor's cozy relationship with special interests like AEG who have provided free tickets to event to the Mayor, who has allegedly not complied with ethics laws related to these gifts. In a related story The Enterprise Report notes that LAPD Chief Charlie Beck plans to pay for free tickets for the Oscars he received.
Fernando Espuelas writing in the Huffington Post lays out all the reasons why the Mayor's administration has been a failure. Still Espuelas feels that Villaraigosa should not be recalled, most notably because we don't know what we would get next. Fair point.
The City Controller's office has released an audit that shows that the City has failed to collect over $250 million in money owed to it, mostly parking citations. A similar audit released three years ago showed the City was only collecting about 52%. A series of improvements suggested by the 2007 audit were never implemented and the City is still only collecting 53% of funds due. Nice work.
And just a reminder. Fireworks, even the legal elsewhere safe and sane variety, are illegal in Los Angeles. The LA Fire Department blog has a list of public fireworks shows where you can find a safe way to celebrate the 4th.
Labels: fireworks, LA city controller, mayor antonio villaraigosa, ticketgate
Posted by Michael Higby @ 7/02/2010 12:13:00 AM
4 Comments:
On the lawsuit, what did Zine collect $1 Mil for? Was that the Lakers from last year or Michael Jackson?
On the 53%. That's an improvement. It's good to see our city employees actually improve. Though 1% would be in the margin of error of any statistical computation.
But the more serious questions is what's Greuel's plan for her job? To just use her auditing powers or will she venture into the realm of enforcement?
I have a feeling taking a shot at enforcement might upset the money men she would need to become mayor in 3 years.
Please note, that previous audit about city collections was completed under Controller Laura Chick!
Um note to Wendy and Koretz, where were you in supporting the recommendations of that Audit 3 years ago? (Take some responsibility former Council Person Greuel! Wasn't so important to you then!)
Now it looks good for you politically so its such a "kina hora." Please!
Don't take credit for other people's work.
Wendy - You are so transparent! You are just trying to make yourself look good for at run at becoming Mayor. Koretz? Sad!!
The city isn't just in this mess because of unclaimed parking ticket fines. Why don't you both do something real to solve this problem.
The pink slips yesterday?!?!? Pathetic. Too little too late. (Really Libraians and childcare workers. That is all you could find? Please....My dead Grandmother is rolling over.)
You two showboaters should be a shamed!
BRING BACK LAURA CHICK!! (AND THIS TIME SOMEONE LISTEN TO HER!)
"Really Libraians and childcare workers. That is all you could find? Please....My dead Grandmother is rolling over.)"
Hey don't give them ideas... next time they will layoff the deceased!
THERE IS A PETITION TO RECALL THE MAYOR NOW IS TIME TO SIGN IT. PEOPLE ALL OVER THIS TOWN ARE BEGINNING TO STAND UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS NOW IS YOUR TIME. WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE RULES LEGALLY. THEY DON'T CARE TO FIX ANYTHING ONLY A CHANGE IN THIS GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DO THAT.
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