VICA Backs Measures to Fund LAPD Expansion

A San Fernando Valley business group voted Monday in support of Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan’s effort to add 710 city police officers, despite an ongoing budget battle with the City Council.

“Any survey of taxpayers would show that one of their primary issues is improving public safety,” said Bob Scott, chairman of local issues for the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.

VICA, a business advocacy group, held its board meeting Monday. Among other steps to raise the funds needed to expand the LAPD, VICA favors privatizing Los Angeles International Airport to boost city revenues.

VICA also voted in favor of setting up a charter revision commission to help rewrite Los Angeles’ city charter for the next century. The commission would consist of 21 members, 15 appointed by City Council members and six by the mayor.

VICA’s board also opposes any city ordinance that would impose a minimum “living wage” on city contractors. “It’s not so much the amount of money,” Scott said. VICA is against “the city intervening in the affairs of private contractors who are conducting their business legally.”