Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Group Doesn't Trust Villaraigosa, Says No to Measure R

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Photo by GarySe7en via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr

In what amounts to the dumbest reason to oppose a measure, the city's Engineers and Architects Association that represents 10,000 employees has come out against Measure R, the half-cent sales tax ballot initiative to raise $40 billion for transportation projects: "Much of the reason has to do with the fact that we don't trust this mayor," Union head Bob Aquino is quoted saying the Daily News' political blog. "We've seen him increase every fee that Angelenos pay in this city and then misuse the money. In all candor, our board feels that when we're talking about $40 billion, that we aren't sure the money will be used as they say."

Villaraigosa may be a controversial man, but this is not a city tax, it is a countywide tax overseen by Metro. And admittedly, the Mayor does sit on that board and has sway, but the board also members who oppose this initiative and if it passes, you know they'll have their bullshit meter on.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today