Former LA Mayor Sez Pension Costs Might Wipe Out Funds for Libraries and Other Services

New! Reduced! hours of operation go into effect today.

Link to July 18 Los Angeles Times article, "Riordan says L.A. could run out of money for parks, libraries".

Excerpt: A Villaraigosa aide said Riordan’s dire predictions were outlandish.

“It’s an absurd notion that the city would plan to close its parks and libraries before reforming pensions,” said Villaraigosa’s Deputy Chief of Staff Matt Szabo, who handles budget issues. “Parks and libraries are core public services and will always be provided to the public by the city.”

Some already see signs that city services are being dismantled. To close a budget gap, Villaraigosa and the council reduced library hours and laid off 98 library employees this month. Some child care workers at city parks also received pink slips.

Merriam-Webster defines one sense of 'core' as a basic, essential, or enduring part.  Sounds as though folks are getting lip service from the Mayor's office.