Mayor warns of difficult times

Pledging to continue his efforts to help business even in the perilous economic times, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday warned business leaders the city is in for continued hard times.Daily News.

Villaraigosa, speaking to about 500 members of the United Chambers of Commerce at their annual mayor's luncheon at the Warner Center Marriott, said he will resist efforts to raise the business tax - which has been reduced to 15 percent under his administration - even with the city expected to face a shortfall from $250 million to $400 million this coming year.

And he said he will not push for any new taxes or fees in the coming city budget, which promises to lead to cuts in services.