Elections 2002 Endorsements: Breaking up L.A. too risky due to possible tax increase
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 4, 2002 9:00 p.m.
Voters should vote No on Measures F and H, the secession
movements for San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, respectively.
While Valley and Hollywood residents have voiced valid
complaints about the inadequate public services they receive from
City Hall, the potential consequences of breaking up Los Angeles
are risky.
The new cities may be forced to raise taxes simply to maintain
the emergency protections they currently receive. They would have
to pay for the Los Angeles Police Department to patrol the new
cities and would not have access to Los Angeles’ $101 million
emergency relief fund to deal with serious emergencies.
Angelinos left behind by the secession movement would likely
have to pay higher taxes as well, since the citizens of the San
Fernando Valley contribute $1.3 billion in local taxes to support
Los Angeles infrastructure.
Furthermore, L.A. city leaders, led by Mayor James Hahn, are
already working to remedy the complaints of Valley and Hollywood
residents.
The city is working on ways to localize services by moving
municipal workers into regional city halls in several planning
districts. The city is also already busy cleaning streets, filling
potholes and trimming trees.
L.A.’s City Hall is in need of reform, not complete
dissolution.
