Greuel Wants to Balance Budget, Curb Waste
Wendy Greuel, former city councilmember and city controller, is running for mayor of Los Angeles.
Greuel is a Los Angeles native who was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. As City Controller, Greuel claims to have discovered $160 million in waste, fraud and abuse. If elected, Greuel promises to continue cracking down on waste in city government and spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently.
With a city deficit projected to range from $215 million to $327 million a year, balancing the budget is a major issue in this year’s mayoral race.
“Looking at balancing the budget is several issues, one it’s about creating jobs in Los Angeles, it’s about addressing pension reform and it is about looking at inefficiencies, ways in which we can address waste fraud and abuse in the city of Los Angeles,” said Greuel.
Greuel also wants to improve emergency response by hiring 2,000 new police officers and firefighters.
However, Greuel’s plan of abolishing the business tax while expanding the police force has been met with criticism. The Los Angeles Times reported that Greuel’s agenda would cost the city more than other economic plans proposed by her opponents.
“We should have a goal of being the safest big city in America and what that means is let’s work toward it,” said Greuel. “The message I’m sending is that public safety is number one.”
As a LAUSD alum and the parent of an LAUSD student, Greuel also wants to improve schools. Involvement in the school system is not typically associated with mayoral duties, but Greuel believes that a world-class educational system is essential to a world-class city.
“I believe the Mayor has a role to play. It matters that we get the resources necessary for each of our schools,” said Greuel. “It matters that we have kind of relationship to ensure our schools are safe and as the next mayor, education is going to be a top priority.”
If elected, Greuel will be the city’s first woman mayor.
“I’m not sure why the city has never had a woman mayor, but I’m looking forward to being the first woman mayor of Los Angeles,” said Greuel.
