Councilman Bernard Parks discusses city’s financial crisis at town hall meeting
Community Contributor | 4-22-2010 | Comments |
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By LaMonica PetersRight in the heart of Leimert Park, Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks, Sr. and host of “The Hutchinson Report”, Earl Ofari Hutchinson, held a town hall meeting on April 17 to discuss the City of Los Angeles and the financial crisis it is now experiencing.
The broadcast was a 2-hour special aired live on KPKF 90.7 FM from the Lucy Florence Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Parks explained in very simple terms that the city made a habit of spending money that it had not yet earned with the anticipation that future revenues would be able to cover the debt. No one anticipated the economic downturn of the last few years, which has consequently contributed to the inevitable financial meltdown. Despite public outcry regarding cutbacks and job losses, Parks made it clear that tough decisions will be made regarding the budget, and programs and departments will most likely suffer.
With the passing of former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates just the day before, Parks also talked of his experience while working under Gates’ administration. He applauded his approach to community involvement and crime prevention. Gates created the DARE program for grammar school children which is now utilized nationwide, teaching them as early as possible to stay clear of criminal trappings and to focus on education. Gates also formulated what is now known a SWAT team. Parks also acknowledged that on several occasions during his tenure, Gates made comments that were deemed racist and inappropriate and that his LAPD was seen as cruel by many in the minority communities. Still, he believed that overall Gates’ position was to serve the community and he was, at times, put in very difficult situations trying to handle a rapidly changing Los Angeles.
To listen to the entire broadcast, go to http://archive.kpfk.org/parchive/ and choose Hutchinson Report from the Available Shows section.
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