Two Los Angeles political veterans are fighting it out for the open second-district seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in the November election.
Herb Wesson, 68, has served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2005 and is being termed out. His opponent in the race, is state Sen. Holly Mitchell, 56.
(The current second district supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas, is being termed out on the county board and is running for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council.
The second district extends from the South Bay and into downtown Los Angeles. It includes Carson, Inglewood, Koreatown and part of East Hollywood.
Wesson and Mitchell came out on top of a crowded primary field in March. Wesson received 29.9% and Mitchel came in with 29%, qualifying them for the Nov. 3 runoff.
Both are registered Democrats but because the board seats are nonpartisan, that is how they appear on the November ballot.
The five-member board oversees a massive territory where 10 million people live.
Supervisors oversee the L.A. Sheriff’s Department which is among law enforcement agencies now undergoing budget reviews.
The board also is charged with managing mental health services, homeless programs, foster care and juvenile detention programs and facilities, public health and L.A. Metro, along with county beaches, parks and libraries.
Both candidates have roots in the area, experience in government and a shared focus on providing housing and services to resolve homelessness and ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
At a Sept.10 forum in Carson, the candidates discussed a number of issues, often finding agreement. Both support Measure J, “Reimagine L.A. County,” a charter amendment that would allocate at least 10% of locally generated revenue to community investment programs.
“Los Angeles County is the most critical economic and social engine for the state as a whole and it’s also home to some of the most challenging communities,” Mitchell said. “What we have to ask ourselves is how will we help L.A. recover from Covid-19 and how will we find permanent solutions to homelessness.”
Wesson highlighted his political skills and connections with the communities within the Second District.
“During this time of challenge I think the community wants and needs a doer,” he said. “During a crisis you need a doer. I may not be the best talker, but I work hard and I bring people together and I know how to get things done. I give you my word I will not let you down.”
Wesson was unanimously elected president of the Los Angeles City Council in June and represents the 10th Council District in south-central Los Angeles. The diverse district includes Koreatown, Little Bangladesh, West Adams, Leimert Park and parts of Baldwin Hills.
Before that, he served in the California State Assembly (1998-2004) and was unanimously elected Assembly speaker in January 2002. He was the second African-American to be elected to that post.
His other legislative interests have revolved around education, immigration — he was part of the City Council action that passed hiring an “immigrant advocate” in 2017 — and health and the environment.
He lists his priorities as youth and social justice, transportation and traffic, homelessness and affordable housing,
Mitchell said more focus needs to be placed on preventing homelessness.
“We have to work diligently to keep people housed where they are,” she said. “We can’t build our way out of this fast enough.”
Mitchell’s 30th State Senate District overlaps with part of the supervisorial district she’s seeking to represent and includes Culver City, Ladera Heights, Exposition Park, parts of downtown Los Angeles.
She previously represented the 26th Senate District and also the 54th Assembly District. She is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
In 2016 she became the first African American to chair the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. Her earlier career included a seven-year stint as CEO of the nonprofit Crystal Stairs.
“Communities have been rising up and saying they’re not going to allow police unions to dictate policies,” she said. “The want public health, affordable housing and a solid economy.”
October 03, 2020 at 05:46AM
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Herb Wesson, Holly Mitchell bring political and community roots, experience in LA County Supervisors race - The Daily Breeze
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