SEIU 721 members interviewed candidates for LA City Attorney on Friday, Feb. 1. Incumbent Carmen Trutanich, Assemblyman Mike Feuer and attorney Greg Smith were in the hot seat for 30 minutes each as members asked them about the city ordinance that slashed workers’ pensions and how they would make the LA better, if elected. Each candidate was attempting to secure an endorsement from the SEIU locals in Southern California.
“I needed to see where the candidates for City Attorney really stand on our pensions. Our future is at stake. I don’t want a City Attorney who will lay down for politicians or Riordan. I want someone who will protect public sector workers.”
-Allen Thomas, Port of Los Angeles Gardner Caretaker
Later, LA City Council President Herb Wesson Jr. advocated for SEIU to support Measure A, the half-cent sales tax hike on the March 5 ballot. If it passes, the measure would close LA city’s budget gap by generating an estimated $200 million a year. Wesson told the room, “I need your support to get this passed. The city can’t just cut our way out of financial troubles.”
Members asked Wesson about how the proposed tax would affect working families and how it would help city workers.
At the end of the night, SEIU members voted to make endorsement recommendations. Final endorsements in the citywide races will be announced soon.
“This was a very informative forum. It was good to see the candidates and hear their responses to tough questions. What I heard tonight helped me make an informed decision on whom to support and whether to vote for the sales tax increase.”
-Ken White, LAX Bus Operator and SEIU 721 Chief Steward
For more information about the endorsement process, please contact James Johnson at (213) 368-8643 or james.johnson@seiu721.org.
Click here for a related article on SEIU’s Election Town Hall featuring candidates for LA Mayor and Controller.