Which Way, L.A.?
Uncertainty in South Asia; Big Trouble at LA City Hall
The certainty of increasing deficits has LA City officials talking. Will they lease public assets, spend down the reserve fund and lay off workers, including cops? What about making a plan based on priorities? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, there might be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but that conclusion is open to different interpretations...
By Warren Olney • • 53m ListenLos Angeles City Controller Wendy Gruel is the latest to call for the Mayor and the City Council to make a plan based on priorities, rather than laying off workers and waiting to see who’s left. Is there a better way? We talk with Gruel and Council President Eric Garcetti. Also, there might be good news for the US in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but that conclusion is open to different interpretations. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, we hear about conflicting interests in those countries, in India and within the Taliban and what they might mean for bringing troops home from Afghanistan.
Banner image: The Los Angeles Convention Center, just one of the facilities being considered for sale by city officials who are trying to balance a growing deficit.
In this episode
2 storiesWar and Diplomacy in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The massive NATO and Afghan offensive appears to have driven the Taliban out of the city of Marjah, at least for the moment. Across the border, Pakistani and US intelligence, working together, have captured three leading Afghan insurgents all said to be close to the Taliban leader, Mullah Omar.
Read the story33 minFinancial Desperation at LA City Hall
Former LA Councilwoman Wendy Gruel is now City Controller, the auditor and chief accountant, who studies economic forecasts and tells the Mayor and the Council what to expect. The answer for the next fiscal year is " not much ."
Read the story20 min
