Live from the Mayor's Budget Day at City Hall

Neighborhood Councils out in force at City Hall

Great Saturday morning from the John Ferraro Council Chambers, as the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils, gather for mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Sixth Budget Day. As I type, Mayor Villaraigosa is speaking in lukewarm terms about the budgetary picture.

The diverse groups of Neighborhood Councils will elect regional "Budget Advocates", to work with the Mayor and City Council on the upcoming 2011-2012 Fiscal Budget.

As Mayor Villaraigosa speech continues, one cannot help but notice the somber mood of the Mayor as he discusses the dire economic situation facing the city. He hopes to get more concessions from the unions while pledging to move forward with pension reform.

In the area of revenues, the stream of money coming into City Hall has "flat line". Simply, the flow of tax money has stop falling but it is not increasing. Villaraigosa is broaching the idea of a "tax amnesty" (thanks Jack H.), to stimulate business in Los Angeles. He also is mentioning his favorite Deputy Mayor Austin B.

The City of LA is currently $63 million in the red, Villaraigosa keeps harping back to his days as the Speaker of the California Assembly, when spending money was so much easier. he is asking the assemble masses what they think are the core services that need to be prioritize.

One gets the impression that the budgetary crisis is taking a mental toll on the Mayor, he harps upon the protest outside his Getty House home, he reminds the crowds about the numerous protest that assail his actions. For a man who craves attention, the recent negative attacks on his leadership are showing.

More later as City Attorney Carmen Trutanich takes the podium.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14