Andrea Batista Schlesinger
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “The federal government has been absent”
When asked how the federal government is treating his city, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa had no hesitation.
"Whether it's poverty, work and opportunity, bolstering the middle class, housing or infrastructure," Mayor Villaraigosa said, "it is absolutely criminal that the federal government has failed to address these issues."
Villaraigosa has long been associated with policies that strengthen the middle class. He's insistent that the government, both local and federal, help people move up from poverty. Not exactly the Bush administration's primary agenda; so no shock that Villaraigosa doesn't get the funding or support he'd like.
But even on homeland security -- the Bush administration's signature issue -- Villaraigosa says the feds have fallen flat. "The federal government talks a good game about homeland security. And yet cities, like Los Angeles, are constantly struggling to get the resources we need to provide that security."
Villaraigosa is endorsing Senator Hillary Clinton for president, in part because "she understands the need to invest in infrastructure in cities across the nation." Will her relationships with mayors across the country encourage her to discuss that investment strategy on the campaign trail?
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Posted at 9:11 PM, Dec 13, 2007 in Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa | MayorTV
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Comments
How can he have time for the city of LA when he can't keep his pants zipped?
I have to hand it to his X wife for leaving him, YOU GO GIRL!
Posted by: I heard that before | March 12, 2008 08:11 PM
well i lived in los angeles and i never heard the mayor say anything about hispanic being rascist and will hire Black Americans. Alot his people will learn english and want americans laern spanish. They were the ones that march when we voted fopr english only in California and had the nerve to call it rascist and California surpreme court went against.
Posted by: Frances | June 17, 2008 01:44 PM
Hey, if you see Mayor Tony Villar (his name before he started running for office) would you please send hom home? Los Angeles is falling apart and he's never here doing anything about it (unless you count myriad photo-ops as doing something--I don't).
Posted by: Malby | June 29, 2008 10:23 PM
Considerably ane populated in New York and I never heard the mayor say anything about Spanish American being racist and will hire Black Americans.
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james
Posted by: Debt Consolidation | July 20, 2008 12:08 AM
What I think of him I would not put in print.
Posted by: maureen | July 29, 2008 06:51 PM
Sept.6,2008: Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa we need your help to get Senator John S.McCain elected!!! McCain is proving to be the candidate for the American people. I had always been a democrat but recently changed to non-partisan. McCain has inspired me and reminded me of what it means to be an American. My parents are immigrants that worked hard to make a better life for my brother and me. They taught us that with a little hard work and good credit and ethics and good morels and values we can do anything. I have lived the American dream and now my grandchildren will follow their great grandparents’ guidelines too; and they too can live the American dream. Remember, JFK asked Americans “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. John McCain “Country First” But Obama has said he will take from the rich and give to the poor – what happened to our work ethics. Now I know Hispanics don’t mind working with their hands – the question is do Obama’s people? Or do Obama’s people just expect a hand- out!! NO Obama - California lets turn our wonderful state of California RED!!!! Let’s show the Country we are better than Obama. Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa we will alway support you please help us NOW!!!!
Posted by: Elsa Herrera | September 6, 2008 06:28 PM