As I’ve written to you in the past, I’d be very cautious in prematurely predicting her defeat as she has indicated she has every intention in seeking re-election.
The fact of the matter is I’m not sold on the billionaire Los Angeles Real Estate investor, a former opponent and constant critic of Karen Bass handling of the devastating and destructive fires, as the answer to Los Angeles’ problems as those whom seemingly have an ulterior motive and Caruso himself who has seemingly appointed himself the one to fix all things pertaining to the City of Los Angeles.
As I asked before, why aren’t MORE black politicians and leaders standing up in defense of Karen Bass?
Inglewood Mayor James Butts has been seemingly the only politician of color who has come out publicly in support of Bass and even going as far as calling her critics “haters”.
With that being said there’s an old saying that goes “politics makes strange bedfellows” and maybe in this case we’re witnessing a burgeoning friendship motivated by mutual respect, despite possible ideological and political differences that in the end will benefit both parties.
As a long time resident of Inglewood I love the concept of a potential economic and strategic partnership that would both benefit both cities economically and strategically for both cities while providing real value and services for seemingly over taxed and underserved residents.
Let’s be real in its own rights, although magnificent, Inglewood’s transformation hasn’t been the “cash cow” as advertised and striking a partnership where both parties could work together to strengthen economic ties and explore joint ventures that bring investment capital, affordable and living wage jobs.
I’ve noticed you have been ruffling feathers with the Los Angeles World Airports that are seemingly delaying the processing and approving of Transportation Charter Party (TCP) related transponder applications that are needed to keep people moving seamlessly from the airport to their destinations particularly those who don’t have a desire to use public transportation or a taxi cab.
Each day that passes that these applications aren’t approved the cities are missing crucial business tax dollars that they desperately are in need of.
The bigger picture lies in the funding Trifiletti Consulting is STILL seeking to build the Inglewood Transit Connector and a stronger alliance between Mayor Butts and Mayor Bass would enhance those efforts tremendously, in my opinion.
I mean the possibilities are endless.
Both Inglewood and Los Angeles are slated to play a pivotal role in the 2028 Olympic games and it would behoove Butts and Bass to work out an agreement exploring joint opportunities with not only their respective cities but by also enjoining the city of Hawthorne who operates an airport that could ease traffic burdens coming out of LAX Airport.
Isn’t this the forward thinking that your blog should push? Think about the history that could be made.
If both James Butts and Karen Bass are re-elected to both of their prospective seats in 2026 you would have two mayor’s of color hosting 2028 Olympic events.
This would be historic in epic proportions.
Let’s face it the City of Los Angeles had it own challenges prior to these devastating fires and the City of Inglewood likewise in its failure thus far to secure the necessary funding for the much touted ITC project that is designed to alleviate the City’s notorious traffic and mobility problems within its Sports and Entertainment District, In addition to the projected financial incentives of creating jobs and housing with the construction of the project also known as the people the need for synergy between the two cities is at an all-time high.
The question remains is there really any appetite by state, federal and local governments to commit any taxpayer dollars to fund a project that seems to benefit billionaire developers without real commitment from private investors.
They say adversity breeds opportunity and as I’ve stated throughout this letter a City of Los Angeles and City of Inglewood partnership could provide an opportunity for both cities to lock hands to identify how both can come together, collectively, to address issues for both immediate and long term gains.
I argue that this venture would be very attractive to private investors and venture capitalists who, if given the proper vision, would be so inclined to invest in both entities and serve as a viable option to drive growth while seizing the opportunity to collaborate in a public / private partnership while strengthening and benefiting both cities.
2UrbanGirls, the possibilities are endless and my hope is that blogs and formats like yours begin to highlight the potential of these partnerships.
Marvin McCoy is a longtime Inglewood resident and can be reached via email here.
