City councilwoman would 'love it' if Jackson family helped pay memorial costs

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry said she was concerned about the cost involved in Tuesday's huge Michael Jackson memorial and would "love it" if the Jackson family helped pay some of those bills.

But Perry, speaking on the CBS "Early Show," said city officials have not heard from the Jacksons. Perry, who represents the downtown area, said she did not have a cost estimate for police and other city services that will be needed Tuesday.

Perry told The Times on Saturday that the extra police deployment would be paid for from a Los Angeles Police Department fund reserved for overtime costs of special events such as "1st Amendment marches, protests and funerals and other special events large in scope and that have a potential to impact public safety."

Because the fiscal year started July 1, the fund for all police overtime -- which according to one source covers 1.6 million hours, or nearly $90 million -- is flush. But some city officials questioned the wisdom of spending possibly more than $1 million for overtime so early in the fiscal year, noting that the city could find itself cash-strapped later in the event of a fire, earthquake or other major disaster.

Each year, police officials expect a few extraordinary events. Last year saw marches for and against Proposition 8, a Metrolink crash and a few immigration protests, among other things.

--Shelby Grad

Comments

[wendy]

How about the taxpayers of Los Angeles would love it if the Jackson's would pick up the costs for their son's memorial service? This grandiosity at Staples Center was their idea. This was their doing and, yet, we are paying for it when they are an extremely wealthy family burying their private citizen. If they didn't want to pick up the tab, they should have stuck to their private memorial service.

[eric]

Looks like the anger of the general public in regards to this extreme waste is getting to her. Keep the phones calls going and maybe Jan Perry will do what is right for the CIty.

[SeanBoy]

Are you that broke Los Angeles? Might as well break out the tin cup and start begging.

[bjth]

Wasn't it just a few weeks ago we heard an outcry about the public funds that would be needed for the Lakers' parade and such? But it seems that many are silent about the Jackson family pitching in to help out. Councilman Zine makes an excellent point: why not pony up? The protection of the people who helped make them wealthy isn't worth it to them?

However, I quit believing in Santa long ago. Let's hope that the press, fans and tourists are spending sufficient money on hotels, restros, sight-seeings, souvenirs and a stiff drink or two here and there to help our local economy more than sufficiently.

[DonJMac]

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry is a Joke, Why beg the Jackson's for money they only have about 70 billon dollars,Let the city of Los Angeles pay for it, They deserve it and Los Angeles would love to do it.

[Misha]

The family and promoters should contribute to the costs for both the funeral event (traffic control) and the event at the Staple center. LA doesn't have the extra money to be spent on such events when there are many social services being cut because of the states economic problems.

[chris johnson]

Jan Perry,

You are a complete idiot for not even knowing how much this circus will end up cost the tax payers of Los Angeles.

In a time of need why has our elected mayor not spoken out this issue?

Once again our elected officials reveal just how out of control they really are.

Chris Johnson

[maxo]

City services should be payed for with tax money even if we don't like it. That's the way the system works. Don't send me an invoice after an accident. Jan Perry should be fired and replaced.

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

Mayor Villar and the City of Los Angeles is "forcing" their employees to take work ferlough days, at a 10% pay cut, because of "budget shortfalls" and they are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on Michael Jackson? Get real. This is "public taxpayers money" not the Jackson family's dough. Come on Joe Jackson, get in front of the microphones and pimp yourself for a fundraiser to pay back the City of Los Angeles. You pimped yourself to promote a new record company during your frist interview after your son's death, how about pimping for the City Employees. Comon Villar, where is your leadership on this? Oh, you are in Africa with your new toy and not working in Los Angeles. "WE CLEAN YOUR TOILETS!"

[Maggie]

And how much will the city of Los Angeles reap on the taxes from restaurants, hotels and transportation systems that accommodate the thousands that have been and will continue to be descending on the city?

[David Theiss]

I bet it will be a cold day in neverland before the family coughs up a dime to recognize MJ.

[Pablo]

City services for any PLANNED event should be paid for by the promoters of the event. In this case, especially, the promoters will likely make a fortune in record sales and future events that piggy back onto this spectacle. There is no reason these people should make money on the backs of taxpayers. It's no wonder our city is broke!

[Stephen]

Would've been nice to have ticket holders purchase them for $50/each... with the proceeds to pay for these extra expenditures. $50 x 17,000 ticket holders = $850,000... wouldn't cover all of it but at least a good chunk of the cost.

[Barb Wilson]

The councilwoman, Jan Perry, apparently does not understand that Los Angeles is and will always be the entertainment capital of the world. Thereby, the City of Los Angeles, will always be responsible for the safety and well being of all people who work, reside, and visit there. To even imply that the Jackson family should consider payment to the city is just plain disgusting. Councilwoman Perry, must have been raised by wolves.

[Dave]

She would "like it?" She should DEMAND it. This city still has a $360 million defecit and this is a private event, much like the Laker parade. Someone in the Jackson family needs to pony up the money or cancel the event. They should have it at Forest Lawn and pay for private security to control the traffic and the crowds. LAPD can generate revenue by ticketing all the gawkers that stop outsie the fence to watch.

[Tony Phan]

Sweet, more tax payer funds to support the rich and famous. I love LA. Can the city pay for my funeral as well?

[Jaera]

If the city of Los Angeles can't afford or doesn't want to pay for the memorial, they should never have put it on in the first place! Or (tickets are being scalped for thousands anyway), maybe they could have charged a huge fee for them instead of GIVING them away. (And the many people trying to make money off of a death need someone to give them a good swift kick in the pants.)

If the Jackson family asked for it, they should have been the ones responsible for organizing and funding the event.

If the city put it on in "hopes" of having the Jacksons pay the costs after the fact, the city council is clearly delusional.

[bill jenkins]

Please Councilwoman Perry can you please refund all the millions of dollars that Mr. Jackson paid in taxes for you screw head politicians to spend? Get a life thang--you are not ready for prime time, now or never. You are a despicable low life politician that will never be Mayor.

[Ro]

I was a MJ fan, but tomorrow's event should not come out of city money. If the family and promoters wanted this huge memorial event for him, that's great..but they should cough up the entire cost. It is enough that the promoters , the family have been doubling their profit since June 25th, yet neither of them have offered to pay for the entire event...in reality this is their event!!!

[carlsbad]

And I would 'love it' if I could flap my arms and fly to Hawaii for the week, but that ain't going to happen either.

[Ken P.]

The Jacksons are multi-millionaires. Pay for the funeral out of Jackson's estate. This is a big money maker for the family and obscene that they would ask the taxpayers to fund their extravaganza. Their antics have already cost the city millions. It's time for them to pay up.

[hpbromine]

Absurd! Why should the Jackson family pay anything for a memorial service that the City of Los Angeles is under no obligation whatsoever to conduct, but is conducting solely for the purpose of increasing city revenues? The Jacksons shouldn't pay the city one dime toward the cost of this event. Suggesting that they should is nothing short of delusional. If I were a city resident, I'd be more than just a little pissed that the City is squandering taxpayer money on this absolutely unnecessary event.

[LA LA Land]

Chris Johnson,

The only reason Perry has been at the forefront of this issue is NOT because she is the councilmember representing the dowtown area, it's because she's the acting mayor at the moment. Villaraigosa is on vacation in Africa and Council President Eric Garcetti is in Japan. That's why you haven't heard much from the mayor himself.

Cheers!

[Joe, California]

M.J's family is already lining up to take his monry or make money off of his name, especially his father "Joe" They are money grubbers at their best! That is the only reason anyone really wants the kids too! Shame on you money grubbing mixed up family. DISFUNCTIONAL!

[El Guapo]

Jamie Fox said recently that he was "ours." Apparently not in regard to any fiscal responsibility.

[ChrisC]

If the Jackson's insist on a Barnum and Bailey funeral for Michael, either let the estate pay for it as an investment to promote the brand, or let the fans who want to participate in this hoopla foot the bill for their own star-blindedness. Just don't stick the taxpayers of LA. with the associated costs.

Michael Jackson was a great performer and also a deeply flawed man who came to a sad end. Some quiet dignity would have been nice in reverse of Shakespeare - 'so the good could live after him and the bad be interred with his bones.' But that wouldn't help build up the value of the postmortem franchise, or get carloads of fans heading toward the shrine to delusion on Figueroa Mountain Road, would it?

[Phil]

Question: how much EXTRA tax money is going to be COLLECTED that would otherwise not have been spent by locals and especially TOURISTS, pleanty of whom are in LA soley for this event? This amount then needs to be subtracted from what the good councilwoman is asking for!

[Outraged LA]

This is disgusting how the City Council and Mayor spend our taxpayer money. Either they are lying about the fiscal crisis that stems from their mismangement in the first place, or they are just so impotent to the rich and famous.

[kgoddess]

I have always been an MJ fan, but this I ridiculous! Why in the world should the taxpayers of LA be paying for a memoiral for someone who was essentially a private citizen, even if a celebrity? This city is losing teachers, cops & firefighters, closing libraries & parks...& the city should pay for MJ's memoiral? Why isn;t it being paid through the cost of the tickets to attend it? Who is raking in that moneey>? Absolutely NOT, NO WAY!

[Laker Fan]

In response to SeanBoy, yes the city is that broke. People are being fired from city jobs, teachers are losing their's, summer school has been canceled, and at my school half the custodial and clerical people are being laid off. The city can afford to clean up after a memorial, but not to keep the schools clean. And as for comparing this to the Laker parade, at least that was for the people of L.A. and anyone who wanted to come celebrate could. This is not a Tuesday only cost by the way. I was at the Sparks game last night and the police were already in full force manning the barricades and watching over the huge line of fans signing a tribute "card" outside of Staples. This is many days of city money being spent on one man's memorial. Personally, I think, if the people who wanted a big event weren't willing to pay all the costs, a worldwide candle light ceremony at a certain time would have been more powerful, spiritual, and inclusive for all those who loved Michael Jackson.

[Steve Moore]

We have 10% unemployment, people losing their homes, teachers losing their jobs, a absent mayor & city council president who are off traveling in South Africa & Japan. The bottom line is the Jackson's, AEG or someone picks up the entire tab for this event, not the tax payers. It's really very simple, if they don't pick up the tab, then no event.

[Lana]

Maybe this memorial can be turn into a benefit concert for the State of California....in no way should any tax payers have to pay for this memorial.

[stonermoog]

it's OUTRAGEOUS that in a time where Los Angeles has to furlough 911 operators and put LESS people on shift we are paying for this ridiculous funeral. let the jackson family and these promoters pay for it. we canNOT afford it.

[daddysgirl]

If there hadn't been a public memorial people would have still been complaining. Either way, the Jackson Family was bound to get some flack. However, in this particular case since the Staples Center is considered 'private' property and owned by AEG then they should help defer any costs associated with the public memorial service. As the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world, AEG is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, which is owned by Denver multibillionaire Philip Anschutz. So, it's fair to say that the money is there to help with the costs.

[Verballistic]

Ms Perry is being totally consistent on this...she said the city of L.A. should not have to pay for the Laker parade, then the Lakers organization stepped forward to cover half the cost...the Jackson family should do the same!!

[caitb]

Stop hinting and send a bill.

[jeff]

Having lived in or around LA for most of my life, I see this as typical of the LA politicians. Why would this event be scheduled or approved without FIRST determining who was going to pay for it? It seems a bit late now. The politicians simply do not have the fortitude to stand up against those involved. Why not say the event may not go forward without the family providing the funding? They (the city) have bought and paid for this now as well as any problems that may develop, and they deserve every bit of it. Maybe ole Reverend Sharpton will agree to contribute, something other than lip service that is?

[Jill]

Before reading the comments all I could think was that "that horse has left the barn" and unlike the Lakers thing, a lot of the people are from out of town and thus will be spending tourist dollars here.

bjth pretty much said exactly that, so...

ditto.

[Gabriel]

Yes, the city is this broke. Where have you been? Teachers getting laid off, huge cuts to education and a hiring freeze for LAPD and LAFD. Yet, the city can afford to pay for this kind of "show"? The Laker parade wasnt publicly funded thanks to the laker organization and private doners due to this economic crisis, so this should be no difrerent. This is not a required event to honor MJ, its a matter of choice.

[Ray]

MJ though his life has paid his share of local and state taxes and not just a couple of hundred $$$. LA should pick up the tab.... enough!!!!

[sEAN]

This is a memorial svc, not a state funeral. It does not fit in to your own discription ""1st Amendment marches, protests and funerals and other special events large in scope and that have a potential to impact public safety.". Get the mayor back in town and have the family give up the funds.
Apparently City Councilwoman Jan Perry does'nt know that the state is in a budget crunch

[Randeye]

Who does get the ticket revenue? AEG and all the free publicity? They should be the ones footing the bill, not LA taxpayers.

[RayDeluxx]

Jan Perry is wrong. The city will generate a lot more money from the taxes it collects from such an event. If anything, you should not have police provide security. The police were surrounding Staples Center a day after Jackson's death. Why? The city needs more long term thinking. Surely with the eyes of the world focused on Los Angeles, this event will generate lots of cash.

[Not surprised]

People with lots of money tend not to offer to share it with others in any way, some exceptions noted. How often have you hesitated a second before reaching for a meal check because you thought your dining partner(s) had more money than you. Good on you Jan Perry for bringing it up. You should not be savaged in the press for this. Any of the rest of us would have to pay the price for any memorial costs to the City. I call no guts on the rest of the Council.

[Jeramie]

Does Perry wanna start a riot or something!!! First she tries to cancel the Lakers Parade, and now this. Did she not learn that millions of people are going to converge on LA for this event!! I sure dont think the businesses in her district are going to be complaining about the increase in traffic through their establishments!!
This is her way of stirring up a political mess... Since we are in such a crunch lets ask her to take a pay cut, have furlough days, and turn in her city credit card, and automobile!!! Then lets see just how concerned with tax payer money she really is... Take her for what she is, another polictician looking to get re-elected or take over another office!!!

[rob]

Hey, this is L.A.- where the stars live and die. If you don't want your tax money going into controlling their fans, then I suggest you move out.

[Glory Friend]

Michael Jackson was a talented entertainer and if his family wanted a public funeral than they should pay for it along with the cost of extra law enforcement. HOW dare Jan Perry allow this to proceed. What are we doing about it??????

[huyen]

hey i'm just gonna come out and say it cuz no else will: i despise mj - his muze, his looks, his whole life. so what about my rights as a citizen to NOT have to hear & see this circus? i'd much rather my taxes go toward another welfare fraud case than to the promoters. i mean, heck, why not have a memorial, part deux and at the coliseum and rake in more cash? why stop there? how about part trois at angel stadium for the oc fans?

[krish]

Why can't we charge for the tickets like any self respecting proud capitalistic society? Yeah, he is dead, and yeah, it is supposed to be a memorial. But, so what?

After all it costs money to hold these events, and there are plenty of idiots.. oops, people, who are more than willing to pay to attend it. Why are we pretending that it is "beneath" us to charge for these events. Even MJ will approve of it, and even be proud, if a fraction of the proceeds could be used to offset the monumental debt he has foisted on his children.

Get with it already!

[No one should ride for free.]

The Jackson's should pay for the whole thing. Why should the Jackson's get a free ride and yet the Lakers have to pay for their celebration? It's the Lakers that bring money into L.A. and what have the Jackson's bring in? What a disrespect to the Lakers and everyone still clinging onto a job with the city. Make them PAY! Don't 'love it' if they pay, request that they pay. You know they are not going to come forward with a check.

[tgp]

Is it me or am I the only person who thinks it is RIDICULOUS that this is happening? I have I been reading that California is beginning to cut off services to its people!!? California cant repay its loans, its laying off people left & right but the state can hold a tribute to Michael Jackson on the taxpayer dime??? um, even MJ was in debt!! To even entertain this idea it ludicrous. ENOUGH.
WTF?!!

[Dianna]

I hope the mayor stays in Africa!!!! And Joe Jackson should pay for his son's circus. Tired of celebrity worship...

[jworkboot]

to be honest michael was not the only person that died last week but do you see the taxpayers paying for their memorial? is is so very stupid!!! if they wanted to have a public memorial then let them pay for it!!!

[Bill]

"We can't afford to cover the costs," Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose district includes Staples Center, said Friday afternoon. "How could we make a decision about people's jobs and then sponsor the parade?"

Shouldn't the Lakers and the NBA pay for that, she asked?

[Chester]

Jan Perry is part of a very powerful political machine whose interests are not necessarily in line with the citizens of Los Angeles. As a result she is a disgrace of a leader on this issue. How many of us will have a "memorial service" paid for my the tax payers of LA when we pass? I'm so relieved to see so many similar posts. The family should do whatever they want to honor their son, brother, father and an icon. Just do it on their own dime.

[John]

ok, SO MY FIRST POST didn't make the cut....I still think Jackson was everything Kent said he was...I wish we had more politicians like him and Perry......and as for los angeles {no caps because they aren't worthy) I'll be glad when the "big one" hits....California is NOTHING but a burden to the rest of the U.S. We'll all be better off when it falls into the ocean and we're not paying for frivilous crap like this from a state that's ALREADY bankrupt...

[NYCgal]

Another financial abuse/misuse. This Jan Perry person is an idiot. When asked the cost of the event on national televison, Perry said she wouldn't know until it was over. Idiot. This woman has no business sense and no regard for the citizens of Los Angeles.

The Jackson's should pay for this tacky display & they should be ashamed of themselves. But I expect this to fall on deaf ears.

[Jan]

How dare MJ's circus take 1 cent of our hard earned taxes. Jan Perry is a disgrace. It was an unlawful assembly!!!!! And what a botched up mess with the sandwiches, no one in LA can make a box lunch. You guys are nuts and would not spend you own money that way. She should be out of office, she and a dozen others. I've been to 2 tax revolts and will continue all of my efforts to place these "numb nuts" out on their behinds.
Why aren't the real costs ever presented re: the illegals. Californians are sooooo affected by the expenses they cause. My taxes may be moving out of Calif if they don't get a better grasp on the illegals and the unions - the state workers own us!!!! Ykes, this is an outrage. Price of education. Prison guards make how much? Their wages have been increased 35% in how many years? We need to break down our unions and not take it anymore. This is crap.