Los Angeles Mayor Speaks at USC Law

Villaraigosa was featured guest at Conversations with the Dean event

- By Gilien Silsby

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke recently to a packed audience at USC Law, sharing his perspective on how business, education, transportation and job growth will shape the future of the city.

“These issues will touch nearly every Angelino – from college student to retired worker,” said Villaraigosa, who is in his second term.

Invited by Dean Robert Rasmussen, Villaraigosa was the featured guest at the March 27 Conversations with the Dean event. The speaker series features high-profile business leaders, politicians and attorneys, including USC Law alumni.

As Villaraigosa made his way to the event, he demonstrated his affability and personal touch by chatting with students, professors, custodial workers and other visitors he came into contact with. “What’s your name? Where are you from?” Villaraigosa asked over and over again.

Rasmussen said it is an honor to host Villaraigosa. “Mayor Villaraigosa is a Los Angeles success story. He grew up in Boyle Heights, graduated from UCLA and went on to lead the nation’s second-largest city.  For the past seven years, he has tackled a variety of issues that are relevant to all of us.”

Villaraigosa said building a strong transportation system is one of his key priorities. With the passage of Measure R, Los Angeles County is poised to invest $40 billion in new transit, rail and highways, he said.

“As a boy, I remember Los Angeles had a very robust transportation system. But for more than for 50 years, we didn’t make investments in transportation. My hope is we can accelerate the timeline for our rail system. We need to get the federal government to loan us money, and extend Measure R, which will double the size of rail system,” he said.

An improved transportation system is leading to an exciting renaissance in downtown Los Angeles– where many USC Law graduates are seeking employment. “More people want to move to lofts and other places in downtown. It’s been a real draw for young people and even empty nesters, downtown’s future will be enhanced, and the population will grow significantly over the next decade.”

A key concern for Villaraigosa is education. He said focusing on education is critical, not just for Los Angeles and California, but for the nation. “Education is the civil rights issue of our time,” Villaraigosa said. “People who are most successful have a college education. If you’re not an educated citizen you can’t engage in democracy.”

When asked about his stand on same-sex marriage, Villaraigosa said Los Angeles is known for accepting people of all backgrounds. “Gay marriage? I say, just do it. This is a town that increasingly revels in its diversity – that’s a hallmark of this town. There was much ado when I was elected the first Latino mayor. I’m the first, but I’m not going to be the last. In Los Angeles, you’re going to continue to see firsts. I think we are very accepting.”