Reason.tv Replay: Bell, Calif. Protests Turn Into a Tax Revolt
Should a city manager from one of Los Angeles County's poorest cities earn twice as much as President Obama?
Residents from the working-class town of Bell erupted in outrage after learning that their city pays its officials some of the highest local-government salaries in the nation, including City Manager Robert Rizzo who takes home nearly $800,000 per year.
Rizzo has resigned, as have some of Bell's other top-earning government officials. But on Monday evening frustrated residents gathered at a city council meeting to demand more resignations and an end to what they regard as widespread corruption.
In addition to disgust at the current leadership , many residents denounced the increasing cost and dwindling value of government services. Bell's median income is about $30,000 per year, and yet taxes, fees and regulations are among the most punishing in one of the nation's most punitive counties.
Reason.tv spoke with protesters furious with high taxes, cronyism, and inflated public-sector compensation.
Approximately 3 minutes. Produced by Ted Balaker and Tim Cavanaugh, who also hosts. Camera by Zach Weissmueller and Sam Corcos. Edited by Weissmueller.
