7 Reasons Why Villaraigosa Was A Great Mayor of Los Angeles, California
1. Gun Safety
As mayor, Villaraigosa was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition, a national organization of Mayors whose goal is to increase gun control.
2. Green Technology & Economic Development
In April 2008, Villaraigosa set aside a large parcel of industrial land around the Los Angeles River to create a “clean-technology corridor.” A range of incentives are available for businesses opting to move to the city, and the site will include a research facility that will draw on the engineering talents of local higher-education institutions. The plan will increase employment in the heart of Los Angeles, as well as have national impact for green R&D.
3. Public Transportation
Villaraigosa was instrumental in increasing public transportation and 12 mass transit projects: both in procuring funding via Measure R, and in working with Congress to repeal the ban on Subway tunneling in Los Angeles.
4. Green Pathways
Villaraigosa has also supported implementation of Los Angeles’ Bicycle Master Plan, adopted in March 2011, which sets a long-term goal of creating a network of 1,680 miles of interconnected green bikeways spanning the city. He also issued an executive directive mandating the construction of 40 miles of bikeways each year.
5. Infrastructure Improvement
Villaraigosa moved to improve existing transportation lines by established anti-gridlock zones and launched Tiger Teams to improve traffic flow during peak rush hour times.
6. Saving Los Angeles from Bankruptcy
Villaraigosa supported Proposition O, which added $10.22 to the property tax bill of a $350,000 home and will eventually climb to $35.00, for the purposes of raising city funds for education and important expenditures. Villaraigosa also campaigned for two education bond measures that will increase the size of property tax bills over the next decade.
7. Cleanest City In America
The numerous successes Villairagosa has made in transportation, green technology, and public safety, Villaraigosa laid the foundation to make Los Angeles the greenest city in America. To reduce smog and greenhouse gasses, the mayor has quadrupled LA’s use of renewable energy and has plans to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by thirty-five percent.
