A $3-billion street repair bond measure being drafted for the November ballot reflects L.A.'s traditional preference for automobiles over other modes of transport. Pedestrian advocates are fighting to fund sidewalk repairs. Will the pols listen?
"As currently conceived," a $3-billion street repair bond measure being drafted by city council members Joe Buscaino and Mitchell Englander, "would fix only the worst of L.A.'s streets and do nothing for the city's abominable sidewalks," writes Steve Lopez. Pedestrian advocates like Deborah Murphy, executive director of Los Angeles Walks, are understandably outraged.
"I think residents and business owners want to know they're supporting a street bond and not a road bond," said Murphy, "so their customers can get there safely and not break a leg. And Mom wants to know that her kids can get to school and their grandfather can ride in a wheelchair without falling over."
Though Buscaino said "he's open to drafting the bond measure with public input," notes Lopez, it sounds like funding for sidewalk repairs will only be included if it could help get the measure passed. "I'm anxious to hear if residents across the city are willing to put in the sidewalk issue," said Buscaino.
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