Council split on DWP plan

City Council members offered a skeptical greeting Tuesday to a new proposal that would boost Department of Water and Power electricity rates by up to 28 percent, saying it is a bad time for an increase. Daily News.

In their first official chance to review Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's proposal, some council members also said the city needs to gain public trust and get neighborhood groups more involved in the decision-making process.

"I have one word for this and you can't print it," said Councilman Dennis Zine, who represents the West Valley. "I say no new fees, no new taxes, no new anything. We need to prove to the public that we are tightening our belts before we ask for any more money."