Michelle Nielsen votes for education (Michelle Bergmann/Neon Tommy).

Michelle Nielsen, a 34-year-old urban planner and mother, was only concerned about one item on Tuesday's primary ballot: the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) School Board.

"LAUSD needs a lot of reform," Nielsen said. "Ranking 47 out of 50 for public schools in California is appalling."

Nielson has a two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter who will be starting kindergarten this fall. For her, children are the priority and education comes first.

She was confident in her vote for Kate Anderson for School Board. Nielsen said she believes teachers should be hired based on capability and not on tenure, and she believes Anderson will lead this change. As for Anderson's opponent, Nielsen didn't think he was as experienced.

"I like Steve Zimmer's heart is in the right place but I don't think he is ready for reform," Nielsen said.

She grew up in a liberal household. Her grandmother was from Poland and had a Rabbi for a father - two conservative influences - but she was one of the first to strongly support gay marriage.

"I think the liberal mentality just trickled down from my grandma," said Nielsen.

Nielsen is also liberal, having grown up in the Bay Area and traveled around the world. She married Brazilian man and is now part of a diverse family, part of the reason she voted for Jan Perry for mayor. 

"I like the idea of there being a woman in office it's important to my family and something I want my kids exposed to," said Nielsen. 

Nielsen didn't vote for city controller or city attorney.

"I didn't pay attention this year, plus I got way too much junk mail from these people that I didn't even want to read it," she said.

Nielsen and her husband run a nonprofit in southeast L.A. where Perry has been their representative. Perry's office has been accessible and responsive to Nielson any time she reached out. 

"She talks the talk and walks the walk," Nielsen said. "She is an honest politician and knows the people in our community."

Nielson hopes that the next coming years will bring a positive change to her children's education opportunity. Otherwise, she will consider private schools. 

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage on the LA election here.

Reach Contributor Michelle Bergmann here.