Dear family,
I apologize for highjacking my kids' blog, but it’s that time again - election time. It’s hard to believe that we have to head to the polls again, but it is true. This time it’s all about the city and LAUSD. In many ways this is the most important election in the city in decades, as all the city-wide offices, including Mayor, and 7 city council seats are up for grabs. That said, there are a lot of candidates out there that can’t get more than a yawn from me. As a result there are a number of no opinion’s below. I feel better about supporting candidates that I know will do a great job, versus the lesser of a number of evils.
Mayor: Eric Garcetti
Full disclaimer, I worked for Eric for a year some time ago and may be slightly biased. But it is hard to imagine that even had I not worked for him that I would be supporting another candidate. Eric is pretty fabulous. Eric’s strongest suit is his values - which are deeply grounded in justice and equality for all. Eric is also wickedly smart with a strong understanding of public policy and City Hall politics. Eric will be a significant departure from Villaraigosa, who often cared more about flash than substance. Eric truly enjoys being a public servant for all the right reasons.
City Attorney: Mike Feuer
It will be such a big breath of fresh air to have Mike Feuer not only return to the city, but take over the seat of City Attorney. Feuer served on the City Council in the 1990s and then moved on to Sacramento. He is extremely well respected and seen as being both down to earth and having a strong vision for the future. While I am in the anything-is-better-than-Trutanich camp, I am truly excited to see Feuer running for this seat.
City Controller: no opinion
Council District 1: Jose Gardea
Both Gardea and his main rival, Gil Cedillo, have done good things for LA and disappointed us with other missed opportunities. That said, Jose is more independent than Cedillo and deeply committed to the first district.
Council District 3: Bob Blumenfield
Bob Blumenfield is both the most experienced and the most progressive candidate running for this seat.
Council District 5: no opinion
Council District 7: no opinion
Council District 9: no opinion
I am very disheartened not to be able to get behind a candidate in CD9. No other part of the city needs leadership more. The best candidates are probably Curren Price and David Roberts, but both are a bit too political for my taste and strike me as using the 9th as a stepping stone to bigger and better elected offices. Sadly, no strong candidate who truly loves these communities seems to be running at this time.
Council District 11: Mike Bonin
Yea, a candidate I am excited about! I am probably more excited about Mike Bonin than any other candidate on the ballot this election. Mike Bonin is an incredible leader, who is both savvy and highly principled. Mike has got incredible progressive credentials and is not afraid to take a stand when poor policies are proposed. He was one of the few people in City Hall to stand up early against, what the advocacy community warmly called, the “Community Does Not Care Ordinance.” It was not a politically easy position to take, but Mike got right out in front and said that the ordinance stunk and with his help it was never brought to a vote. I wish that we could clone him!
Council District 13: no opinion
I am torn between Mitch O’Farrell and Matt Szabo for this seat. I have worked with Mitch and know how deeply committed he is to constituents. Lord knows that he knows these communities like the back of his hand after running Eric Garcetti’s field office for years. On the other hand, Matt Szabo is more politically astute than Mitch and would probably be able to get more done in City Hall on the policy front. Either candidate will probably do a good job, but they bring different strong suits to the district.
LAUSD District 2: Monica Garcia
Monica Garcia received a truly lackluster endorsement from the LA Times, but they were right to endorse her as she is the only candidate independent of the teachers union.
LAUSD District 4: Kate Anderson
I am again following the LA Times on this seat.
LAUSD District 6: No opinion
I am very tempted to support Monica Ratliff, who is endorsed by the LA Times and sounds like an amazing educator. My one hesitation is whether she will be independent of the teachers union. As a result, I cannot support any candidate for this seat.
LACCD Seat # 2: Mike Eng
The LA Times finds Eng much more qualified and with a stronger vision.
LACCD Seat #4: no opinion
LACCD Seat # 6: Tom Oliver
This endorsement is simply because he is the most qualified.
Measure A: No
This is a hard ballot measure to say “No” to, but it does not seem like the right time to enact a half cent sales tax in the City of LA. First off, sales taxes are awfully high in LA already. Second, the city has done a poor job of belt tightening following the recession. The city continues to provide raises to city employees and do nothing about pension reform - the city’s own looming fiscal cliff. Without better fiscal leadership in the city I cannot support increased taxes. Finally, all four major mayoral candidates oppose this measure. Hopefully a No vote will send the measure to City Hall that voters need the city to do more about fiscal responsibility before they ask for increased taxes.
Measure B: No
This ballot measure would allow non-LAPD security officers in the city to have the same pension plan as LAPD, but there is no question that there is a big difference working security versus patrolling the streets. Right now this measure would not cost tax payers more, but the long term consequences are unclear.
