Why would staunchly Democratic Long Beach City Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal be in the minority on raising a sales tax to improve public transit?
No, she's not going over to the other side, especially after winning the Democratic nomination for the 54th Assembly District this month.
This afternoon, Lowenthal explained her vote against the sales tax increase during a meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors.
Basically, she, along with county Supervisors Don Knabe and Gloria Molina, said the proposal didn't do enough for the regions they represent.
Lowenthal is also a representative on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, an association of 27 south LA County communities, and her vote reflected the group's overwhelming decision to oppose the sales tax, she said.
"There was just not enough in it for the Gateway area," Lowenthal said. "There were a lot of areas in the Gateway where people would have to choose between food and gas."
Another tax burden "would be completely inappropriate," she said.
But with the tax going to fund light-rail lines, subways, freeways and buses, Lowenthal said it still has value.
Check out a full story in tomorrow's Press-Telegram.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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