Bradley, Woo to Write ‘Pro’ Light-Rail Ballot Argument

Mayor Tom Bradley and Councilman Mike Woo will write the June ballot arguments in favor of a light-rail line for a referendum asking San Fernando Valley voters if they support such a line.

Councilman Ernani Bernardi will write the argument against the measure.

They have until Monday to write the arguments, which will appear in a booklet sent to voters before the June 7 election.

They were the only ones who asked to write arguments for or against the referendum. Each side can include on its statement the names of others, including elected officials and Valley business and homeowner groups, supporting its position.

The City Council on Friday is expected to give final approval to placing the referendum on the ballot. The measure will ask voters: “Shall a San Fernando Valley rail system be constructed; an advisory citizens’ panel appointed to recommend routes; and the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission be requested to reserve funds for the Valley?”

The referendum was proposed by Bradley and Woo last month after the Transportation Commission turned to Valley elected officials for help in resolving the light-rail controversy. The commission acted after all five of its proposed light-rail routes ran into community opposition.

Woo said he and Bradley will write separate arguments, splitting the 300 words each side has to convey its arguments. “I wouldn’t say that it indicates any rift,” Woo said, adding that he and the mayor have different reasons for supporting the measure.

Critics of the referendum have called it meaningless because it will not decide the controversial issue of a route for the trolley.