A Vote to Help End a Fiscal Mess : Prop. K is a needed first step to give city access to LAX profits

Just three months into this fiscal year, the city of Los Angeles already faces an estimated $100-million budget deficit for next year. Flagging tax revenues and the loss of $53 million as part of the state budget deal prompted Mayor Tom Bradley last week to propose drastic reductions in vital city services.

But on Nov. 3, Los Angeles residents have a real opportunity to start to relieve the city’s fiscal agony by voting “yes” on Proposition K. Passage of this measure is the first of several steps necessary to bring sounder financial management to this city.

Bradley’s proposed cuts, if adopted by the City Council, would be visible--and painful--to every Angeleno. The Police Department, already under 7,800 officers from its high of 8,300, could lose an additional 129 officers and 48 civilian employees. In the Fire Department, the budget shortfall could reduce the force by 56 firefighters, cutting staffing roughly in half at five of the department’s stations. Response times for fire and police emergencies could increase. Cuts could also force reductions in hours at city libraries and recreation centers, and in street sweeping.

At the same time, the Los Angeles International Airport--owned and operated by the city--still generates a profit: $25.6 million last year alone. But under 50-year old charter restrictions, the city cannot touch airport revenue for general city services like police and fire.

This arrangement made sense when LAX and the other three city airports were new, struggling enterprises. It doesn’t make sense any more.

That’s where Proposition K comes in. This measure amends the charter allowing other pinched city agencies to use surplus airport funds. These funds could, for example, help cover police and fire department salaries and operating expenses. But, unfortunately, passage of Proposition K alone won’t permit the city to reallocate airport funds; the council must untie other knots in LAX finances and Congress must loosen existing restrictions on the use of federal airport funds.

But passage of Proposition K is the necessary first step, one we strongly support.