The victories of the Civil Rights Movement are being cut. Yet, scores of people flocked to the polls to elect a man that captured their imaginations, Barack Obama, the first Black president in US history. At all levels of government, social services and programs are being cut meanwhile military, prison and police spending grows. In LAUSD, 1000’s of teachers received pink slips. In LA city, 100’s of city workers may lose their jobs because Mayor Villaraigosa wants to hire 250 more police. MTA will receive billions in new taxes yet bus riders will be hit with cuts. These conditions create the opportunity to strengthen a social movement united around the demand of...
“1000 more buses, 1000 less police.” Yes to the Social Welfare State & No to the Prison/Police State
Mayor Villaraigosa, Public Safety means Protecting Jobs NOT hiring More Police!
As the Mayor of the second largest city in the US, Mayor Villaraigosa has a unique opportunity to and a mandate from the people to protect Civil Rights. With unemployment at 10%, Angelenos are in dire need of jobs, those at risk of losing them and those looking for them. Is the Mayor’s vision for public safety a city where Black and Blue is locking up Black and Brown? If true public safety is a priority, we call on the Mayor to adopt the hiring freeze for the police department as one way to protect the jobs and wages of 100’s of city workers necessary to keep services like parks and libraries open. Public safety is ensuring all people have jobs, quality health care and education, affordable and reliable transportation.
Mayor Villaraigosa, Don’t Walk Out on Clean Air and Economic Justice!
As the chair of the second largest public transportation agency in the US, Mayor Villaraigosa has an obligation to voters and is presented with a unique opportunity to protect Civil Rights, create 1000’s of jobs and impact the global warming crisis. Adoption of the BRU’s Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan can accomplish that. Yet, in May, the MTA Board of Directors approved a budget that included the reduction of 120,000 hours of bus service at a time when it will receive billions of dollars through a half cent sales tax increase and the federal stimulus package. The Mayor could have fought to protect bus service but instead walked out during public comment and walked out on the vote. Should bus riders let his feet do the talking? We need to strengthen a movement to hold the Mayor accountable and remind him of the his own progressive history and moments we fought for oppressed communities. You have a huge role to play in helping hold the Mayor accountable and fight for what is historically possible and necessary. Take action today! Superpasajera calls for “1000 more buses, 1000 less police!”
Call or email Mayor Villaraigosa at 213-978-0600 or mayor@lacity.org [2]
“Mayor Villaraigosa, Angelenos need you stand on the right side of history, fight to protect civil rights and environmental justice by moving to 1.) rescind the 120,000 hours of bus service cuts and 2.) adopt the BRU’s Clean Air and Economic Justice Plan that calls for 500 expansion buses, reversal of the 2007 fare increase and $150 million for bus only lanes.
Superpasajera wants YOU to Rally with the BRU at City Hall on July 1st!
Wednesday, July 1st at 9am - LA City Hall 200 N. Spring St
(between 1st and Temple) - bus lines: 4, 40, 68, 728
Red/Purple Line to Civic Center
BUS RIDERS UNION • 3780 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #1200, Los Angeles, CA
213.387.2800 • info@busridersunion.org [3] • www.busridersunion.org [4]