Supervisor Antonovich Explains His “No” Vote

The only Board Supervisor who voted against the County’s Homeless Prevention Initiative, Supervisor Antonovich explains his negative response in a letter to the Daily News.

Here is the text of the letter:

Re "County changes course" (April 5):

Despite my opposition, the Board of Supervisors approved a $100 million homeless spending plan in response to the hustle of downtown developers and Los Angeles city politicians who want to take advantage of the hot real estate market. This plan forces the arbitrary relocation of the homeless to other parts of the county - even when not supported by the affected communities.


The plan's title, "Homeless Prevention Initiative," is a misstatement - you cannot resolve this critical issue while the root causes are ignored. This program does not require the mentally ill to receive the necessary treatment to return to a normal healthy life or those with drug and alcohol dependencies to complete a rehabilitation program.


Further, it cripples public safety - hijacking money earmarked to renovate Sybil Brand jail, put more deputies on the street to reduce response times, end the Sheriff Department's reckless early-release program and support the district attorney, the public defender and other vital public safety programs. It also rewards illegal aliens by providing them free housing.

- Michael D. Antonovich
Supervisor
Los Angeles County