Editorial: Citywide fee hikes worth the services provided

It is a rarity for college students to be in favor of paying more in municipal fees.

So when Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposed an increase of water, power and trash fees on Monday, the immediate response would be to dismiss the idea.

But supporting the proposal to pay the increase in fees is actually worth it.

Villaraigosa is asking to increase the monthly trash collection bills of $26 to $36 starting as early as this July, as well as proposing a 23 percent increase in electricity charges and a 10 percent increase in water fees by the summer of 2010.

As overwhelming as the percentages may seem, the revenue generated will be channeled to support the growth of an aggressive police force and fund other programs aimed to lower crime rate under the anti-gang initiative umbrella.

The mayor’s track record is enough evidence to convince others that lowering crime rates and reducing gang-related violence is a realistic goal that could be achieved with better funding for programs specifically formed to target these problems.

Going into office, Villaraigosa made it clear that he vowed to improve the city’s crime rates; during his term, crime rates have hit new lows, and earlier this year, it was reported that gang homicides have decreased by 30 percent.

And while Angelenos face seemingly endless fee increases in the context of an unstable economy, it is refreshing to know part of the additional money we may be mandated to pay will help fund a worthwhile cause.

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