[norton]

They’ll start with the people who are only weeks from retirement.

No!
They'll start with police, fire fighters, librarians, road repair crews, and trash collectors...

They'll be sure that the unwashed masses feel the pain.

[U-238]

Norton,

You are forgetting something. All the departments you mentioned have unions. The biggest ones are the police and fire departments.In fact, they all have unions. LA is a very union friendly place. That is why nothing gets done.

[norton]

NOTE:
“Unwashed masses” = unappreciative voters.
And...
"Unappreciative voters" = taxpayers.