Measure M opponents say funds won't be evenly distributed in LA County

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Six mayors representing the South Bay and Gateway Cities, who opposed Measure M, closed an overpass over the 405 Freeway for a press conference.

"This will be a forever tax for all of us, so I want to tell you to vote no on Measure M," Norwalk Mayor Mike Mendez said.

Measure M seeks to authorize a Los Angeles County traffic improvement plan with a new half-cent sales tax in addition to the already existing half-cent traffic relief tax.

The measure looks to ease traffic congestion, reduce bottlenecks, accelerate rail construction with new lines and construct a tunnel through the Sepulveda Pass on the 405 Freeway, an area that has recently finished a years-long widening project.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti remained among Measure M's greatest advocates, campaigning for 12 hours the day before the election.

"(Measure M) should help us build out light rail, help us improve our buses, keep our fares affordable but also fix streets for those of us who drive," Garcetti said.

The mayor further stated that the measure would create 465,000 jobs by widening freeways, fixing intersections and paving streets.

A coalition of mayors and council members representing 43 out of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County claimed the money is not evenly distributed among cities.

"It gives priority to the City of Los Angeles and the west side over working class communities in the south and southeast," Mendez stated.

Critics additionally argued that they may not live to see the end of the construction as it is expected to take decades.

"It's great argument to have that we're arguing about that is not happening quickly enough. I feel that they feel that, but we know if it doesn't happen it will go even slower," Garcetti countered.