Cut and Paste Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Friday

"The bright beacon of corruption on Hope Street"

A day after Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, manipulated Council procedural rules to pass an emergency motion to raise utility rates, the Department of Water and Power Commission voted to give their concurrence to the scheme, errrr, plan to move Los Angeles along toward its goal of becoming the "Green Energy Beacon to the World", Proceeds from this are surely to benefit the likes of S. David Freeman, Ari Swiller, IBEW, paid for by the families and businesses of LA.

As usual Mayor Parkervillar's Deputy Chief of Staff for Spin Matt Szabo, is good for some example of double-speak.

Villaraigosa promised in the 2005 election campaign that he would reach a 20% renewable goal at the DWP wiithin five years. Szabo said Villaraigosa is not giving up on that goal and will work with council members to achieve it.

Reading between the lines, Mayor Parkervillar is not giving up on his Green Energy Scheme to line the pockets of his political friends with this tax hike on Angelinos.

Thus, the multi part political tragedy that was the "Great DWP Standoff at 200 Spring Street", ends its limited engagement, until the next installment of rate increases.

OTHER NEWS:

** While the likes of Boss D'Acry's IBEW reap increases to their monetary bottom line, the City of Los Angeles "Coalition of Unions", have release a plan outlining ways to prevent future layoffs in the city workforce. That enlisted this response, from once again, Deputy Chief of Staff for Spin Matt Szabo.

"The mayor's always open to constructive solutions from labor," said Villaraigosa Deputy Chief of Staff Matt Szabo. "But he also must operate within the realm of reality."

The "man of labor" once again speaks from his heart......

** AEG's strongman, whoops, President Tim LIEweke is teaming with Casey Wasserman, in proposing a NFL stadium on the site of the LA Convention Center's West Hall. No doubt if their plan moves forward, that some sort of corporate welfare, paid for by city residents and businesses, will be a part of the proposal.

Wonder what Frank Sheftel's friend, former Councilman Joel Wach's opinion of this newest stadium scheme, would be?

** What is up with all the "trolley billboards" downtown? Los Angeles Garment and Citizen Newspaper Editor Jerry Sullivan, has the details in his latest "Dat, Dat, Dish Column".

** Downtown visitors beware, the California Democratic Convention makes its subsidize appearance at the Convention Center, for the first time in recent memory. No word if former 43rd District Assemblyman Dario "Duhio" Frommer will be given any time to address the pandering masses, with his conspiracy theory regarding our "close ties" to EDH Associates.

** In the words of Parque Esqueleto, "Gosh durn it!!" I Parke Skelton, the image crafter of the progressive, populist hero from City Terrace, Mayor Tony Villar, made # 51 on the Capital Weekly's most influential political players in California politics list.

** ......... and lastly, how does the "Westside White Guy" describes the Neon Tommy profile of former Daily News Editor, turned citizen advocate Ron Kaye? Read for yourself.

The story captures Kaye as a 68-year-old white ex-newspaperman from the far west end of the Valley who wants to create a "new revolution" that goes beyond the early-2000s secession campaign he stage-managed as managing editor of the Daily News. His fellow travelers are still mostly angry white guys from the Valley, and though he hasn't gotten so much political traction, Aron notes Kaye has been deft at attracting media attention.

...... and Roderick is some supposed Pulitzer Award winning ex. scribe for the former "fishwrap of record" which has become, now merely the "West LA dog trainer of record".

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Former Mayor Richard Riordan Espousing Bankruptcy as Los Angeles Fiscal Savior

A former and current mayor eyeing different financial remedies to Los Angeles Budgetary Crisis."

If Mayor Antonio Parkervillar can rant that bankruptcy is coming if he dosen't get his tax hikes, errr, DWP rate increases. Then former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan can make an rational argument that municipal bankruptcy is the best option to repair the City of Los Angeles financial affairs.

Riordan in the recent days has taken his "bankruptcy crusade" to the audio and print media.

In a recent interview with KNX 1070 AM, Riordan espouses that Chapter Nine Bankruptcy is the key to restructuring the pension plans and stream line the number of employees on the cities payroll.

This is sure to engender a strong response from the likes of SEIU 721, who represent thousands of city employees. It should be noted that in the days of SEIU 347, there was a certain facilities room known as the "Richard Riordan Reading Room". With these recent comments, one can envision that likes of SEIU 721 and IBEW, espousing the creation of the "Richard Riordan Toxic Dump", but I digress.

In his comments to the Daily News, Riordan calls for bankruptcy now, to minimize the damage if the city waits another four or five years.

For one thing, it could lead to speedier reform of the pension system, which many economists and politicians say is necessary if the city is to prosper long term.

"I've suggested it since 2005," former Mayor Richard Riordan said. "The city, the way it is going, is unsustainable. If they don't do it this year, they are going to have to do it in the next four or five years."

Of primary concern is the city's spiraling pension obligations, which are growing astronomically at a time when city coffers are running out of cash.

"Those will be over $1 billion a year," Riordan said. "The city will not be able to afford it."

But Riordan calls for bankruptcy are counter by the likes of City Councilman Eric Garcetti, Bernard Parks, Suedo Economist Jack Kyser and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Yaroslavsky, for his part counters that bankruptcy "sends sends a wrong message to the local business community and firms looking to move to Los Angeles". It is discipline that is needed at 200 Spring Street.

If discipline alone is the answer to the budgetary crisis, then let me be the first to call for some form of "political corporal punishment" for those who sway off the fiscal path.

But in hindsight, the future numbers, especially in the area of pension obligations, would cause most with a rational grasps of accounting, to not completely discount bankruptcy, as a option to right the cities dire financial affairs.

And it is fiscal times like these, that open the door for an person with a business orientated background, to ponder a run for mayor in 2013.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14.

Weekend Musings on the Dysfunctional Political Doings at 200 Spring Street

"Political thespians at City Hall", Image by Fred Noland at the LA Weekly"

" The Great Hall of Political Dysfunction on Spring Street"

Los Angeles various "scribin observers" of all thing radiating from 200 Spring Street these recent weeks, were busy penning, and in a couple of cases, "pawing their musings" on the dysfunctional state of affairs at City Hall.

Here is an aggregated assortment of just some of the creative missives, penned in the recent days. Enjoy or weep, which ever comes first.

** Lets call these the dueling "Cirque du Missives".

Ken Draper at City Watch has "Cirque du City Hall", meanwhile Los Angeles Times Scribe Steve Lopez pens "Cirque du L.A.". If someone acts quickly, they can copyright the "Cirque du ......." and make some quick bucks.

** Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie, melts movie anologies with observations into "a goo of reason and wit", as he lays out who shoulders the blame for the budgetary follies and guest who he spotlights? None other than "Anvil".

I don’t want to single out Villaraigosa in this. No wait, I do. He’s the guy who wanted to be mayor then governor then president then whatever comes after that (guy who gets to date all the TV ladies around the world?). If Toyota President Akio Toyoda ultimately gets the blame for all those sticky gas pedals, then L.A.’s sticky deficit ends up the responsibility of the man elected to lead the city, the man who appoints the DWP Commission and pulls their strings.

** Over at Ron Kaye's Blog, "Bruno the Watchdag" raises his mug from some kibble and bits "Nazi-like contraption" and paws away these canine musings. Even Bruno in his advance canine age, can discern and chew on the "Cirque de ........" bone. Wonder if "kibble and bits" are "legal doggy tender" for incoporating the copyrighted "Cirque du ........" brand?

Meanwhile for me, its back to the "Cirque du Lakers".

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

Scott Johnson in "Cirque du District 14"

Rosier Financial Outlook at 200 Spring Street?

"Council members smelling a rosier financial situation in budget crisis"

With a TGIF Happy Hour less than a hour away, lets share some positive news courtesy of City Council President Eric Garcetti, as reported by Dennis Romero at the LA Weekly.

It seems that City Council President Eric Garcetti is getting all wet, "by proclaiming that the City of Los Angeles, could come out of the budget crisis $100 million ahead".

First, lets use Garcetti's own words, as posted at the LA Weekly.

Dennis: Our work in February and March has resulted in further real savings that will total about $50-$65 million more by the end of June (end of our fiscal year). Combined with slightly better property tax receipts, we will be able to meet our obligations for this year. Nevertheless, I hope the DWP gives the transfer to the residents of the city that they promised to just two months ago. Combined with the actions we have taken and the slight revenue uptick, we could land at the end of the year about $80-$100 million in the black. I just wanted to give you the numbers in a little greater detail. And our cash flow problems will be fine, since we have enough money and we instructed our City Administrative Officer to figure out the proper amount of money from our reserve fund that we needed to meet payroll next month. We will make that transfer later next week.

All the best,

Eric Garcetti

In the words of Parque Esqueleto, "gosh durn it" I didn't know that the financial affairs at 200 Spring Street, were rebounding so swiftly.

This news was met by some with "scribegasmic musings" as posted by the "Westside Economist White Guy" Mark Lacter. wonder if Lacter was in need of some medical attention after so much written exertion?

But please indulge with me as I attempt to regain my grasp on reality?

With no apologies to Council President Garcetti, "short-term hosannas" cannot not gloss over the fact that no one within the elective domain on 200 Spring Street, has yet to articulate a long term strategic vision, to right the "capsizing and sinking vessel" that is the financial health of the City of Los Angeles.

In addition, the political cynic in me, sees all the week's theatrics, as being choreograph to present an distorted image of the true lack of political courage, that is counter to what is truly needed to tackle the budgetary issues at City Hall.

But as someone who believes that "we should live in the moment", I'll take a momentary break, to bask in the bit of good news, originating from 200 Spring Street.

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

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Political Briefs Radiating from 200 Spring Street

"How long can I delay disclosing public documents pertaining to the CLARTS Fund??"

Here are the latest on the tragic political comedy thats in extended play on 200 Spring Street.

** City Controller has just announced an "quick and dirty" audit of the DWP fund that is ground zero of the standoff between Mayor Parkervillar and the City Council.

** Seeking more oversight/ control over the DWP, the City Council explores its legislative options.

** Mayor Parkervillar's plan to shutter city services two days a week, meets with reality, via the city unions and City Council.

** As the City Council and Mayor Parkervillar, grasps for short term solutions to the fiscal crisis, long term ramifications to the cities credit rating are in store with the latest credit downgrading by Moody's Investor Services.

** Mayor Parkervillar takes his "ahh, talking points" to various visual and audio media outlets. Look for spin from the "Third Floor Spin Chamber" shortly on our comment sections.

** Ron Kaye has his takes on the Soap Opera on Spring Street.

** In addition, link and read Kaye's post on Mayor Parkervillar's "Antonio at the Brink";

** HUIZAR NEWS: why is Councilman Jose Huizar stonewalling on releasing the financial information pertaining to the CD 14 CLARTS Fund?? This was the subject of a story in The Voice Newspaper in its March Edition.

** More Huizar stonewalling. Los Angeles Garment and Citizen Newspaper Editor Jerry Sullivan is doing yeoman work in questioning why Huizar and State Parks officials, are being mum on the asking price foe a 0.7 acre parcel downtown, that is being consider for a "pocket park".

** I also want to strongly recommend reading Sullivan's story, with Q and A, on the FBI's new emphases in rooting out political corruption . Most would agree that the latest doings on Spring Street and at the DWP necessitate opening up a FBI satellite office in City Hall.

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