Mary Anne O’Neall’s Picks
Mayor: Pleitez
City Attorney: Feuer
Controller: Galperin
District 9: Roberts

On a day when many went out to the polls in hopes that their favorite candidate will get a seat in office, Sister Mary Anne O’Neall, 77, is content knowing opposite.

“I have never done this before, but I’m voting for someone who I know won’t win. I’m voting for Emanuel Pleitez, because he has promise,” said O’Neall.

Emanuel Pleitez, is far from a typical mayoral candidate when it comes to funding. He did not have the funds for fancy television ads or billboard banners. To rally votes and gain attention, Pleitez embarked on a 100-mile run to meet with the people of Los Angeles the weekend before Election Day. Since declaring for candidacy last summer Pleitez has had a door-to-door campaign, focusing on Latino neighborhoods in the south andeast.

“I want to encourage him to keep in the fight,” said O’Neall.

O’Neall is a sister at a South Los Angeles Cathedral.

“My concerns a this election are crime, and guns,” said O’Neall.

In her neighborhood, South Los Angeles, these are big issues. According to the Los Angeles Times crime database, South Los Angeles has seen nine violent crimes and 18 property crimes in the past week. In the last six months, South Los Angeles has had 240 violent crimes and 604 property crimes.

Sister Mary Anne works with children in South Los Angeles many of which attend the Los Angeles Unified School District. Tuesday voters will choose board members for there of the seven school board seats. The race for school board has garnered national attention and dollars. New York City Mayor Bloomberg has given $1 million toward backing an effort by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to elect candidates who support reforms that were enacted during his term.

“I’m worried about the cuts to education, ” said O’Neall.

Sister Mary voted “no’” to Proposition A.

“The financial situation here is a mess!” said O’Neall.

Proposition A is a ballot question that if approved the sales tax hike will increase by half-a-cent on the purchase of goods and services made within the city. The city’s sales tax will go from 9 percent to 9.5 percent. But Sister Mary said today was about more than dollars and candidates.

“Today’s election is not about a certain candidate winning, it’s about hope for a city when it needs it the most,” said O’Neall.

Reach the reporter here.