SOMEONE NEEDS TO SET PRIORITIES, TOKOFSKY SAYS

By Rick Orlov, Columnist | la DAILY NEWS

Note: THE UP/DOWN VOTE TO PLACE THE NEW SCHOOL BOND "PROPOSITION Z" ON THE NOVEMBER 3 BALLOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE BOARD OF ED'S 6/24 AGENDA AND POSTPONED TO THE 7/22 MEETING.

6-23-08 - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would allow selling off the lottery and, if it fails, would impose a 1 percent sales tax.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking at placing a half-cent sales tax increase for transit programs.

The Los Angeles Unified School District is considering asking approval of a $3.9 billion bond issue.

And, the City Council is considering a $36 a year parcel tax to pay for anti-gang programs.

With all these measures competing for voter approval, it leads people to wonder if anyone is in charge of setting priorities.

"What we need is someone to step forward and get out front and say this is where we need to put our efforts," said David Tokofsky, a former LAUSD school board member who now works as an education consultant.

"I think we are getting close to where it's time for a county revolt, for Los Angeles to separate from the state because we aren't getting our fair share. We pass the state bond measures and get only 43 percent of the money. Where's the logic in that?"

Tokofsky, who says he has no personal political ambitions at this point in his career, said he remains involved in public policy and worries over the region's future.

"Being out of office, I can see things more clearly," Tokofsky said. "Here, in Los Angeles, we have the richest congressional district in the nation and yet this is the poorest of the 58 counties in the state.

"We should say we will not suffer Sacramento anymore. We pass the state bonds and then we have to run around to get our fair share. We need some leadership to make sure Los Angeles doesn't suffer more."