Name: Gary Smith

Neighborhood: Watts

What are the top issues facing Los Angeles, and why?

One is the money situation as far as streets being messed up and not being fixed and potholes. Cops not being around because of the lack of so-called funds available to them. Also, jobs wise, everybody is cutting back and if there is no money then there is no work. They want to go part-time instead of full-time. 

What could Mayor Garcetti do to address these issues?

I think he should at least instill, if he can, work source programs so he can create the opportunity for other folks to succeed. Also, I feel that kids out here should have more outreach to go to. I know with the lack of funds they closed down after school programs for kids so I feel he should put more outlook into that as far as our youth and building our future where we can prosper from better jobs. 

Did you vote in the Mayoral election in May? If so who did you support?

I didn’t. I didn’t. I meant to, but I was busy working and I didn’t get a chance to. I meant well though. But I think I should still be heard even though I didn’t vote: It isn’t that I didn’t take it into consideration or that I didn’t care. If I could go back and re-vote I would.

How would you solve these problems?

Money is always the issue. We need to make sure the money goes to the right places. Like I said, we need to make it so we as the people can prosper. That’s how I feel.