L.A. Mayoral Candidates' Accomplishments And Key Issues
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Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti with Aaron Sorkin (GenerationObamaLA/Creative Commons
Villaraigosa is ineligible to run again because of term limits.
The two top candidates, Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti, had raised just about equal amounts of funds for their campaigns as of August. Due to the controversy over Wal-Mart's push to expand in Los Angeles, angering labor unions, both have pledged not to accept donations from the business giant.
Here's a list of important candidates in this upcoming election:
Currently the Los Angeles city controller (since 2009)
Accomplishments:
-Helped create a searchable database of city employee salaries
-Expanded whistleblower hotline to handle tips in more than 150 languages
-Business tax reforms during her time on the L.A. City Council (reducing business taxes)
-Worked in the private sector 1997-2002
Major Issues:
-Education reform
-Economic reform
-Cutting spending
Currently on the L.A. City Council
Accomplishments:
-Cut graffiti in his district by about 80 percent
-Green building ordinance
-Promoted tax elimination for most businesses
-Rhodes Scholar
Major Issues:
-Jobs, jobs, jobs
-Believes L.A.'s strength is in manufacturing, tourism, trade, entertainment and health care
-Education, both at elementary and university level
-Cutting taxes for businesses
Currently a councilwoman for the 9th District since 2000
Accomplishments:
-Co-author of Measure P on March 2011 ballot, for city reserves
-Author of Proposition O in 2004, improving water in the area
-Opened first farmer's market in South L.A.
Major Issues:
-Job creation
-Focused on depressed communities
-Community health
Currently chief strategy officer of Spokeo, a tech company in Pasadena
Accomplishments:
-Worked for Villaraigosa twice between 2003 and 2005
-Worked for Obama administration in 2009 on President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board
Major Issues:
-Improve high school dropout rates
-Improve the incarceration system
-Increasing public transport and promoting green energy
-Simpler regulation for businesses
"The Outsider;" currently practices private law
Accomplishments:
-Co-chairman of AIDS project, Los Angeles
-Worked as assistant U.S. attorney in L.A.
Major Issues:
-Bringing jobs back to L.A. by simplifying structure and reducing business tax
-Improve budget by using a "long-term fiscal solvency plan" as opposed to current "short-term one year gimmicks"
-Promote public education
Member of Northridge East Neighborhood Council since April 2010
Accomplishments:
-Has worked in private sector
-Part of Northridge Vision Committee
Major Issues:
-Economic sustainability
-Prevent corruption
-Energy efficiency
Reach Staff Reporter Nandini Ruparel here.
