The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs tomorrow will unveil its annual state of the city report—six experts weighing in on aspects of Los Angeles' health. Economist Jack Kyser lays out the economic development picture, basically that the city's process is complicated and hindered by too many players, high taxes and fees and the stumbling economy. Institute director Jaime Regalado addresses political conditions in Los Angeles, especially Mayor Antonio Vilaraigosa's standing:
Was the mayor weakened by city election results? It is hard to escape the conclusion that he was, although the degree is up for debate...Some of the star power...was bound to begin wearing off, and it did.
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Reality began biting back. Ambition and vision were not producing observable results.
Regalado contends the Los Angeles magazine failure cover about Vilaraigosa in May "was widely considered to be unfair and over-the-top." Also this: "The power of organized labor in LA politics remains strong and unfettered, as Los Angeles continues to be recognized as 'union City USA' by national labor." Read the whole report