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9,A-4 <br />VETO from page l ................. <br />In his message, the Governor expressed his <br />belief that "triggering" the VLF should not be <br />considered independent of a total budget package. <br />In addition, Davis reiterated his belief that the state <br />worked with local government in the good times, <br />and that local government needs to help in the bad <br />times. <br />Reaction from the League was swift. John <br />Russo, President of the League and Oakland City <br />Attorney was quick to praise the legislature for <br />passing AB 4X. "These legislators are leaders who <br />keep their word," said Russo. "A vote for AB 4X was <br />a vote to keep a promise the state made to pre- <br />serve public safety and the principles of local <br />democracy. No elected official likes to be accused <br />of raising taxes, even when the charge is untrue. <br />Others will misrepresent this vote with their own <br />political agendas. I applaud the courage of the <br />legislators who did the right thing." <br />"At the local level, we've been balancing our <br />budgets without appropriating funds from other <br />levels of government," said Ron Loveridge, Vice <br />President of the League and Mayor of the City of <br />Riverside. "The time to pull the trigger on the VLF is <br />now. It's completely unacceptable to hold police, <br />fire and other public services hostage to budget <br />games, and leave citizens in harms' way." <br />League members have done an outstanding job <br />of communicating with their legislators and the <br />Governor about the impact of the proposed VLF <br />cuts to their cities. Hundreds of letters, resolutions, <br />calls, and personal meetings have been generated <br />— and the Legislature has noticed. We've suc- <br />ceeded in building bipartisan support for continuing <br />VLF funding for cities. <br />AB 4X has not yet been sent to the Governor for <br />his action, and it's unclear as to when he will receive <br />the bill. While we continue to thank those who have <br />supported us, we need to keep the pressure going <br />and encourage the Governor to do the right thing <br />and "pull the trigger." <br />DON? MISS THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF <br />WESTERN CITY MAGAZINE! <br />• An Affirmative Agenda for Strengthen- <br />ing Local Democracy <br />• Moving Toward the Goal, Even in <br />Tough Times <br />• Cutting to the Bone: Assembly <br />Speaker Wesson examines the state <br />budget deficit <br />• Tough Questions and Tight Spots: <br />Everyday Ethics for Local Officials <br />• Innovative Efforts in the Areas of <br />Public Works. <br />• The Case for a California Infrastruc- <br />ture Fund: Why Cities Should Sup- <br />port ACA 11 in 2004 <br />• The League Encourages Youth <br />Participation in Local Government <br />• Connecting Students with Local <br />Governments <br />All this, plus information on city jobs and <br />businesses that provide services to cities. <br />For over 75 years Western City has been <br />the best source of information for California <br />city decision makers. For subscription <br />information call: 916.658.8223, or visit the <br />Western City Web site at <br />www.westerncity.com. <br />Our Mission <br />Restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. <br />PAGE 4 /PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site-- www.cacities.org <br />