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Los Angeles city fire fighters listen to public testimony over a loud speaker outside Los Angeles City Hall as the City Council considers a proposed $7.05-billion budget that slashes jobs to deal with the expected $530-million budget shortfall in 2009-2010 on May 18, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

The Los Angeles City Council is $218-million in the hole and has to make some drastic cuts. But after all-day negotiations Wednesday, council members put off a decision to cut as many as 1000 jobs. On the table now, is the possibility of a freeze on LAPD hiring, which the city’s budget analyst says could save the city $69.3 million. But the Mayor wants to replace departing cops. How will the City Council come to terms with all the competing needs and agendas?

Guests:

Matt Szabo, Deputy Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Bernard Parks, Councilman, 8th District, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee

Jose Huizar, Los Angeles City Councilmember, 14th District