Los Angeles voters – approximately 12% of them – decided yesterday the fate of several city elections and ballot measures. Incumbents held onto their seats across the board, including the passionately fought campaign between Councilman Bernard Parks and former DWP Commissioner Forescee Hogan-Rowles. Parks eked out a victory over Hogan-Rowles with more than 50% of the vote, thereby avoiding a runoff election. Retiring member Greig Smith’s seat was the lone council race without an incumbent, and it went to Smith’s chief of staff, Mitch Englander. Nine of the ten ballot measures were approved. But Measure O, which would have added a new tax on oil producers, was narrowly rejected. What policy changes will be the result of this election? What impact will this have on the future of LA’s economic well-being?
Guest:
Bob Stern, President, Center for Governmental Studies