As the March 8 election date nears and public employee unions continue to raise campaign funds to fight Councilman Bernard Parks’ reelection, political allies praised the embattled candidate at an early morning rally before he visited his District 8 constituents.

“I know a great councilman when I see one,” said Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. “He [Parks] says yes to stakeholders when they’re right and no when they’re not.”

At a rally Wednesday outside Parks’ headquarters in a small shopping center in Leimert Park, Supervisor Gloria Molina called Parks “a man of tremendous courage,” and expressed her respect for his selectivity when supporting special interest groups.  

“Every weak-kneed politician is bending over backwards for special interests,” Molina said. “The only special interests he is responsible to are the constituents in his district.”

Forescee Hogan-Rowles, Parks’ chief opponent, claims that the incumbent is out of touch with voters and has failed to bring new businesses to the district. Parks rebutted, saying his district is the only one to show an increase in employment between 2007 and 2009, according to a report for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Community activist Jasmyn Cannick was by Parks’ side Wednesday introducing him to small business owners in the community. 

“In politics there is often a disconnect between the folks in city hall and the folks on the street,” Cannick said. “It’s up to people like me, who still hang out in the hood to help make sure there is still that connection.”

Cannick led Councilman Parks down Crenshaw Avenue and into barbershops, restaurants and convenience stores. 

Some storeowners and employees were indifferent to his arrival; others were pleased to see Parks in their shops, addressing him as if he were a celebrity. 

“I see you all the time on TV,” said Gaye Cheikh, an employee at a clothing store, as he jumped out of his seat to supply a proper greeting. “We love you man!”

But when Parks asked if he was registered to vote, Cheikh replied, “Not really…yet.”

Parks continued down “Barbershop Row” discussing election struggles. 

Parks has repeatedly claimed the city is giving too many employee benefits, causing employee unions to build their own campaign against him and spending more than $450,000 in support of  Hogan-Rowles. 

“They will say anything to anyone, and are telling blatant lies,” said Parks, describing his opponent’s supporters. “But I think that rudeness is what turns people off.”

During one barbershop visit, conversation morphed from friendly banter to a more political tone. 

Maurice Guillmeno, hairstylist at Kings of Kuts grilled Parks about the Façade Improvement Program that was implemented to refurbish aesthetics of businesses in the area and attract new commerce.  

But the program did not make it down to this 30-year-old family business.

Parks explained that funds ran out before the program reached Kings of Kuts, but handed Guillmeno his business card and instructed him to call if he had any other concerns. 

“You gave me your word right away, and I expect that to be good,” Guillmeno said sternly. 

For Parks to be successful in his reelection, that assurance is exactly what voters need to see from him as the debates persist and unions continue to fuel Hogan-Rowles campaign trail.