League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA March 5, 2013 Election
	Bob Blumenfield Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Los Angeles; District 3

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What do you think is the single most important issue facing the City of Los Angeles today? As Council Member, what would you do to deal with it?

As the economy continues to rebound we should place a priority on restoring the cuts in public services of the last few years.

2. The City Administrative Officer has estimated a $200M budget shortfall for 2013-2014 increasing to $300M in 2015-2016. What steps do you propose to deal with this problem, and how much do you estimate each step would reduce the shortfall?

1. Aggressively pursue unpaid fines, fees and taxes owed to the city.
2. Effectively manage new revenues that will come as the economy continues to rebound.

3. Do you support the ballot measure to increase the sales tax in the city?

Were I on the City Council at the time, I would have sought a different alternative. However, the city needs the funds to avoid further cuts in services. I believe this measure will allow all of the city's residents and visitors to share the load so I will be voting yes. As a City Councilmember, I will seek ways to sunset this tax and make it unneeded as quickly as possible.

4. What role do you feel the City of Los Angeles has to play in addressing climate change? Please explain in terms of what you as a city councilmember would have the power to do.

I have earned a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters for my leadership on environmental issues. As a councilmember I will bring leadership to acheive greater conservation and efficiency in our energy use.

5. How would you prioritize your local constituency versus the City as a whole when acting as a Council Member?

As an Assemblymember I have had to balance the needs for constituent services in my district and the needs for the entire state. I don't see this as being a problem. I can give equal weight to all our local needs.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: January 26, 2013 06:14
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