LA Primary: Only Serious Candidates Need Apply

ELECTION WATCH 2015-The platitudes and superficial symbolism of most political campaigns in Los Angeles must stop. The challenges facing our city are daunting, so we need candidates to be serious and honest, because, to quote our favorite genius Albert Einstein, “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them.” 

Presently, there are seven City of Los Angeles council seats up for election. Two of the seats do not have an incumbent in the race (Council Districts 8 and 4), so they are competitive, and 2 incumbents are facing competition (CD 7 and 15). Competitive races provide the best opportunity to engage more voters, so here is an opportunity for candidates to differentiate themselves by addressing the questions that will be raised in the remaining portions of this commentary. 

As you consider your answers, keep in mind that according to Jack Humphreville (using CAO figures) there is a projected budget deficit of $165 million for the next fiscal year and a cumulative deficit of $425 over the next three years. 

Questions: 

How does each candidate intend to balance the City budget each year being mindful of growing pension obligations? 

Does the candidate support the recommendations of the LA 2020 Commission? 

Does the candidate agree with the recommendation of the Business Tax Advisory Committee to Eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax? 

How do candidates propose to finance Mayor Garcetti’s plans for the Los Angeles River, Great Streets, and Sustainability?  

Does the candidate support evidenced-based policy making? 

What is the candidate’s position on public-private partnerships (P3) that provide or assist with city services? 

Under what conditions would the candidate support a tax increase to fund the restoration of City services and what kind of tax would the candidate propose? 

The infrastructure of the City is crumbling: 

● Aging water pipes need replacing
● Modernizing the electrical grid and moving off of coal
● Cleaning Urban Runoff to ensure clean beaches
● Solid Waste Management / Landfill Diversion (aka recycling)
● Rainwater capture
● Cleaning the San Fernando Valley Aquifer, so it can be replenished
● Mitigating the Illegal Dumping
● Backlog of roadway repair
● Backlog of sidewalk repair

If you were the councilperson, what are your thoughts and recommendations for creating and sustaining changes that mends and improves our infrastructure in order to sustain our population? 

Less than 18% of the population can afford a house in Los Angeles and the cost of renting is rising fast because of the lack of housing. City government has a role in facilitating the construction of affordable housing. What are your thoughts on policies and procedures that will create more affordable housing units? 

Neighborhood councils were created to enable greater citizen participation.  The role of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment - with the full support of City Council and the Mayor - is to assist communities with building their capacity to effectively advise on what happens in their neighborhoods. Since the creation of neighborhood councils in 2000 with Charter Reform the neighborhood council system has been minimized reflecting a truth famously stated by Frederick Douglass, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”  

How do you propose to work closely with neighborhood councils in your district? Additionally, if the neighborhood council is weak how do you suggest strengthening the neighborhood council to more effectively represent their neighborhoods? 

The City of Los Angeles cannot build its way out of the problem of too much traffic. Simultaneously, there is demand for meaningful public transportation that brings people to and from their jobs. What are your thoughts and ideas to improve transportation in your council district and citywide? 

How would you describe your leadership style and what do think others would define your style?

 

I hope this helps with the start of a dialogue. Please keep in mind that a lot of time and effort has been invested in potential ideas and solutions, but we need candidates that want to lead by responding to the hard questions and has the proven capacity to engage others in the conversation.

 

Reminder: Special CityWatch coverage of the Los Angeles Primary and General Elections 2015 begins next Monday. Get involved!

 

(Mark Edwards is a long time LA political activist and oversees CityWatch LA Election coverage 2015.)

 

 

 

CityWatch

Vol 13 Issue 4

Pub: Jan 13, 2015