"Despite all evidence to the contrary, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa insists this past year was one of his best in more than 4 1/2 years as the city's chief executive.
Forget that he lost his biggest ally and the source of the city's success in reducing crime with the departure of Police Chief Bill Bratton.
Don't pay any attention to the fact that he is overseeing a city government that is shrinking by 2,400 workers, and faces a perennial shortfall in revenue that has stalled his ambitious hiring plan for the Los Angeles Police Department.
And ignore the low regard the public holds for all levels of government and politicians now, and his lower-than-expected showing in his re-election last March."
