LaBonge Supports Subway Funding

Councilmember LaBonge compares traffic congestion to clogged ventricle arteries during a press conference today in support of a one-half-cent sales tax hike to fund subway extensions.

Councilmember LaBonge joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today in calling for a one-half cent sales tax increase to fund a subway expansion that would alleviate traffic woes county-wide. He and a group of city and county officials gathered on a subway platform downtown to pledge support for a State Assembly Bill (AB 2321) which clears statutory hurdles for the proposed tax hike.
"If a doctor looked at traffic circulation in Los Angeles, he'd say we're all clogged up," the councilmember said, opening his jacket and pointing to his heart. "One hundred years ago, they brought water to Los Angeles. Fifty years ago, they built the highway system. Now, we must invest in this important expansion of our weak transportation system."
The state bill is sponsored by Assemblymember Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, and outlines specific projects to be funded, including a subway extension along Wilshire Boulevard between Western and Fairfax avenues in Council District 4.
Residents and businesses along the Wilshire corridor have been expressed strong support for this subway extension.
The tax hike may appear on the ballot as early as November.