And it’s back to the polls to decide run-off elections and some new propositions. In March we voted in the primary and those candidates who received less than 50% of the vote, but were the top two vote-getters, are facing off. Many of these elections are very lopsided in terms of spending, with labor unions and business backing less independent candidates. Most of my recommendations below are from March, but here are some new opinions on the propositions.
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 6: no opinion
Council District 9: no opinion
I am very disheartened not to be able to get behind a candidate in CD9. No part of the city needs leadership more, but both Curren Price and Ana Cubas are weak candidates.
Council District 13: Mitch O’Farrell
Now that the CD13 field has been winnowed down to Mitch O’Farrell and John Choi the choice is clear. Choi is one more candidate who moved into the district to run and is backed by big union money. He is the opposite of Mitch, who has worked tirelessly for the district for years. Mitch has an uphill battle getting his footing in City Hall, but there is no question that he is running because he loves the 13th, will provide amazing constituent services, and will always keep the people he represents in mind.
LAUSD District 6: no opinion
LACCD Seat # 6: No opinion
Measure C: Yes
For all intensive purposes this proposition is meaningless. It “instructs” members of congress to support a constitutional amendment overturning the supreme court decision Citizens United, which lifted restrictions on corporate contributions to political campaigns. The LA Times opposes Measure C and calls it “a primal scream about the role of corporate (and other) money in politics” and they are probably right. It may be therapeutic for voters to express their disgust over Citizens United, but it will probably do nothing to change things in D.C. That said, Citizens United is so detrimental to our democracy, that I don’t no what else to do. If primal scream therapy is the best we got against Citizens United, we might as well try.
Measures D, E, and F
Measures D, E, and F all place new regulations on medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. Measure D sets limits on the # of medical marijuana dispensaries and increases the level of taxes on sales at dispensaries. Measure F does not limit the #, but sets strong rules and also increases taxes on sales. The backers of Measure E no longer back it, and are supporting Measure D. A bit confusing, eh? Maybe I smoked too much in high school, but I think that this is all much ado about nothing. The dispensaries in my neighborhood do not really concern me. Measure D seems a bit arbitrary capping the # of dispensaries at 135 for no reason, so I am throwing my hat behind Measure F, which has stronger rules, but no caps.
Measure D: No
Measure E: No
Measure F: Yes
Happy voting!
