Antonio Villaraigosa in The Los Angeles Times
On Drugs:
Pro-legalization with safeguards
Villaraigosa became the latest high-profile politician to endorse an initiative that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California. "I took my time on this measure because I wanted to make sure it included protections for
children and public safety," Villaraigosa said in a statement. "In evaluating the measure in its entirety, I am convinced there are enough safeguards to make it a workable proposition."
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
On Drugs:
Supports marijuana legalization
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Monday became the latest high-profile politician to endorse an initiative that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California. "I took my time on this measure because
I wanted to make sure it included protections for children and public safety, in evaluating the measure in its entirety," Villaraigosa said in a statement.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2017
On Government Reform:
Increase voter turnout among Latinos & all demographics
Villaraigosa said that his campaign will seek to increase Latino voter turnout for the upcoming governor's race. "When I ran in 2001 and 2005, I said, 'I want to be the mayor for all of us,' " he said. "I'd like to see turnout increase dramatically
among all demographics. But clearly, one of them is the group who votes the least, and that's the Latino community. "A big part of our campaign is going to be to energize and organize that part of the electorate," he added.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2018 California gubernatorial race
Nov 16, 2017
On Gun Control:
Supports Life Act: restrict ammunition, licenses, & weapons
As lawmakers began to consider more than a dozen gun control measures, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa flew to Sacramento to urge them to take "dramatic and heroic" action. Villaraigosa referred to mass shootings, including the one that killed 20
children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in asking lawmakers to approve a package of bills dubbed as the "Life Act."The proposals include requirements for licenses and background checks for those buying ammunition. They also would
close loopholes on the possession of assault weapons with large-capacity magazines. "We have seen too many children killed or living in the aftermath of horrific violence," Villaraigosa told a packed hearing of the Senate Public Safety Committee. "You
have before you the opportunity to make our laws stronger, an opportunity to make California a leader again on the issue of gun violence," he added.
The NRA said the legislation violates their constitutional rights and punishes law-abiding gun owners.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2014 California Governor race
Apr 16, 2013
On Immigration:
AZ immigration law is unpatriotic & unconstitutional
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he supports a boycott of Arizona by the city of Los Angeles, and he called that state's newly passed immigration law "unpatriotic and unconstitutional." "No person should be treated
differently in the eyes of the law." The mayor said boycotts have worked in the past and cited the city's divestiture from South Africa in the 1980s to protest apartheid.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Boycott over Crackdown"
Apr 29, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Reinsert "God" into DNC platform despite vote against it
Villaraigosa found himself in an awkward position as part of his high-profile role as chairman of the DNC when he was forced to call for three votes in an effort to invoke God in the party platform.There was some dispute whether the vote passed,
infuriating some delegates. "I, uh, I guess I'll do that one more time," Villaraigosa said after a second vote of delegates resulted in equally loud "ayes" and "nos." [An equal vote would mean the measure was rejected].
"You've got to rule, and then
you've got to let them do what they're gonna do," a woman standing to his left could be heard saying. After a third attempt, Villaraigosa declared that the amendments had passed. "In the opinion of the chair, two-thirds have voted in the
affirmative," he said, drawing large boos and shouts of objections.
Republicans had criticized Democrats for removing a reference to "God-given potential" from the 2012 platform. It was reinserted.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2012 Democratic National Convention
Sep 6, 2012
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