LA Mayor denounces Schwarzenegger's ballot 'reforms'

[Judi Lynn]

October 7, 2005

LA Mayor denounces Schwarzenegger's ballot 'reforms'

LOS ANGELES Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa accuses Governor Schwarzenegger of using the state's ballot initiative process to force his political agenda on the state Legislature.

Villaraigosa turned his attention to Schwarzenegger at a news conference today to discuss his first 100 days in office.

Asked about four ballot measures the governor is supporting in a special "year of reform" election he has called for next month, Villaraigosa said he is opposed to all of them.

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger's campaign says the governor took the issues before voters because the Legislature was unwilling to work with him.
(snip/...)

http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3949168&nav=9qrx

[Dem2theMax]

1. For once it's going to be easy to vote in California.

Vote NO on anything Arnold wants. Period. :)

[Carla in Ca]

2. Well, guess what...

The voters aren't going to work with him either. At least not this one. My state is not a movie set. The 'star' will be replaced.

[1932]

3. LA Mayor {Villaraigosa} Slams Schwarzenegger 'Reforms'

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press Writer Fri Oct 7,12:14 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Democratic Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, in an unexpected broadside, accused Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday of misusing the state's ballot initiative process to force his political agenda on the Legislature.

Schwarzenegger is pushing four ballot measures that deal with teacher tenure, union dues, a state spending cap and redistricting.

"I'm opposed to all of his initiatives," said Villaraigosa, a former state Assembly speaker, who had appeared eager to work with Schwarzenegger.

"In this instance it's very clear that the initiative process is being misused," Villaraigosa said. "These are matters that could and should be addressed by the Legislature."

{snip}

Villaraigosa's comments, while not out of keeping with his political loyalties, carry particular resonance given his position as California's most prominent Hispanic officeholder and mayor of the state's largest city.

As he pushes his ballot agenda, the Schwarzenegger has been trying to rebuild his standing with Hispanic voters who helped put him in office in 2003 but whose support has eroded in recent months.

This is why winning is everything in politics. Villagraigosa is making a difference with Hispanic voters and is helping to keep the entire state on a progressive tack because he is now mayor of Los Angeles.

[gratuitous]

4. An unexpected broadside?

Well, then maybe Democratic attacks on Musclehead need to step up. His inept administration should be the laughing stock of California, and you know that Hollywood and the media aren't going to turn on one of its own, so it's up to Democrats to restore some sanity to California politics.

Hit him hard. Hit him repeatedly. Hit him continuously.

[ronnykmarshall]

5. GO ANTONIO!!

Had he won the mayors race in 2001 we would see him running for Gov in 2006.

Tony has a bright future ahead of him.

[bemildred]

6. Attaboy. I knew he was a breath of fresh air. nt