FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2011
COUNCIL CANDIDATE BOX AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
JOIN GOVERNOR BROWN
IN ASSAILING
LA'S CRA FINANCIAL SHELL GAME
In a light drizzle and speaking before news cameras and reporters, Stephen Box,
candidate for City Council representing the 4th District, was joined
by about 50 community advocates, neighborhood activists and community
watch group members in assailing LA's Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA) process, the stashing of nearly 1 billion dollars in public
funds, and cited incumbent City Councilmember Tom LaBonge's special
relationship with out-of-town developers and political cronies
with deep ties to City Hall.
"LA is in a massive budget crisis, facing shortfalls for vital
services - police, fire, street and road repair - while the CRA
hides $930 million in redevelopment funds in plain view, money
which could be used to meet these vital needs," Box said.
"We join Governor Brown in challenging the wisdom and judgment
of the City Hall politicians, including the incumbent, Mr. LaBonge,
who either don't recognize this fundamental absurdity in fiduciary
responsibility," Box continued, "or simply don't care about
the sacrifices and hardship the CRA imposes on the people of
LA by
hiding money during this budget crisis."
"The dozens of people here today represent thousands of fourth
district residents and organizations citywide who join me in
demanding an end to this financial shell game."
The press event was held at the corner of Garfield Place and
Hollywood Boulevard, in front of a 1.8 1.1 acre vacant
lot wrapped in chain link
fencing. Local residents have fought for years to turn the site
into a city park for so long that the land is commonly referred
to as "Garfield Park." Council Member LaBonge, who has held
his seat for a decade, has consistently sided with developers who
wish to use the public's money to build commercial development
instead
of a community park there. (see photos on facebook)
Box is running for LA's City Council, representing District 4,
which includes North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, the Hollywood Hills,
Mid-City, the Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Larchmont Village,
Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and North Atwater Village.
For more information,
Contact: Claudia Vazquez
Campaign Field Director
ClaudiaEVazquez@gmail.com
Office: (323) 739-4269
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