Michael Woo for City Council

One Los Angeles City Council seat will be filled in a runoff election June 4. The winner will represent the diverse 13th District, which includes Hollywood and adjacent hillside communities--Los Feliz, Silverlake, Echo Park, Elysian Valley and Cypress Park.

Michael Woo, the challenger, is the better candidate. His urban-planning background would add breadth to council debates over coping with growth. He has strong views on protecting the environment without stifling economic growth, on improving transportation systems even as federal subsidies dwindle.

He would also bring energy and fresh ideas to the council. He was a legislative assistant to state Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles), and knows something of government.

The incumbent, Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson, has provided a decent level of service during her decade in office, particularly for the large senior-citizen population and for Hollywood. But the changing 13th District needs more vigorous representation.

During the campaign, Stevenson has questioned Woo’s ethics and judgment because of a contribution that he received in 1981 during his first attempt to replace her on the council. Woo says that he had no reason to suspect that $5,400 that came from Condo Vest late in the race was of suspicious origins--specifically, a laundered but tainted gift from W. Patrick Moriarity, the Orange County fireworks manufacturer. Moriarity has since pleaded guilty to making illegal political contributions. Woo has been candid about the contribution, and he gave an equivalent amount to charity.

Michael Woo would better balance the diverse needs of the district with the needs of the entire city. We recommend his election to the Los Angeles City Council.