Proposition A: Will a Half-Penny Tax Fix LA's Budget?
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On March 5 voters in Los Angeles go to the polls to elect a new mayor, and other key officials. They will also be confronted with a ballot initiative called Proposition A, a half-cent rise in LA's sales tax. Proponents of Prop A argue that without it, LA will lose 500 police officers and face cutbacks in firefighters, paramedics, and gang and drug prevention programs. Opponents argue that LA's budget shortfall can be covered without making its sales tax one of the highest in California, hitting consumers hard in their pocketbooks. Guest host Mike Shuster speaks with both sides and asks whether this is really the best way to balance the city's budget. Also, Warren Olney interviews one of the top candidates for mayor, Emanuel Pleitez. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, the rhetoric and the reality behind the State of the Union speech.
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Main Topic
Will a Half-Penny Tax Fix LA's Budget? ()
Los Angeles could see a half cent rise in the city's sales tax, if Proposition A is adopted on the March 5 ballot. The city is facing a budget deficit of more than $200 million, and top city officials, including Mayor Villaraigosa, want the sales tax increase to avoid cutbacks in police and other key public safety services. We hear from a reporter covering the story and from proponents and opponents of the measure.
Guests:
- David Zahniser: Los Angeles Times, @DavidZahniser
- Jack Humphreville: City Watch LA
- Richard Close: Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association
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Main Topic
LA Mayoral Candidate Emanuel Pleitez ()
LA's mayoral primary is less than a month away. Five candidates are considered to be frontrunners. Emanuel Pleitez was the last to qualify for matching funds. In the first of a series of one-on-one interviews with the five leading candidates for LA mayor, Warren Olney speaks with Pleitez.
You can find our interviews with candidates for mayor at KCRW.com/RaceforMayor.
Guests:
- Emanuel Pleitez: mayoral candidate, @EmanuelPleitez
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
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