'We Need to Start Thinking Big Again'
In a festive ceremony that drew politicians from across the nation, Antonio Villaraigosa took the oath of office Friday as the 41st mayor of Los Angeles and declared that reforming the city's troubled schools would be "a central priority of my administration."
On a platform festooned with red-white-and-blue bunting on the steps of City Hall, the city's first Latino mayor in 133 years paid tribute to a city and a country that gave the son of an immigrant from Mexico the opportunity to lead the nation's second-largest city.
"What a beautiful country," he said in Spanish to an audience of about 3,000. "I am proof that the United States is a country of opportunity and liberty. In what other country of the world could I be in front of you as mayor of a great city?"
In his first official act as mayor, Villaraigosa fulfilled a promise by removing five lobbyists from city commissions. He also appointed three people to the city commission that oversees the Department of Public Works.
Although the mayor has no direct control over schools, Villaraigosa announced he would create a Council of Education Advisors to draft a comprehensive proposal to fix the Los Angeles Unified School District.
"I can't say it more clearly: Reforming our public schools is the central challenge facing Los Angeles," he said.
Villaraigosa did not name the educational leaders who would advise him, but said they would have proposals by the fall. Recent studies have shown that fewer than half of the district's students graduate from high school.
Schools Supt. Roy Romer, who read a transcript of the mayor's speech, said he welcomed Villaraigosa's involvement. "I am very pleased that his primary focus is going to be on education. It's the right focus," he said.
School board member Marlene Canter, who was at the inauguration, said she was hopeful that the mayor's strong comments would translate into cooperation between the school district and City Hall.
"It's not going to be easy," said board President Jose Huizar, who is running for Villaraigosa's City Council seat. "There are huge entrenched interests at the district that are going to fight this. It's going to be a huge fight."
The mayor did not mention his proposal to obtain the power to appoint all seven members of the school board.
- Villaraigosa Gets Nod of Democratic Party Panel Mar 20, 2005
- Villaraigosa Pushes for Audit of L.A. Unified Apr 04, 2006
- Donors Fund Inauguration Jun 16, 2005
