District Elections

I was very disturbed in reading the arguments used by opponents of district elections in Larry Gordon’s piece on the Los Angeles Community College District (Metro, Aug. 31) and legislation authored by Assemblyman Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles).

Opponents stress that at-large elections have brought minorities to the Board of Trustees. As a former trustee, I want to bring some historical perspective to this assertion. Only one Latino served on the board before me and only one has succeeded me to that office in its 20 years of existence.

I was fortunate to have been appointed to the board, rather than running in a special election at-large to replace a trustee who left the board. But the cost of campaigning district-wide would have made my election prohibitive and highly unlikely.

Had the LACCD instituted district elections prior to that time, the cost to the district for a special election would have been 1/7 of an estimated $1.8 million and the accessibility for myself and others to seek election would have been enhanced.

While the concern about parochialism would be appropriate in other districts, it is totally out of place in the LACCD. In fact, at-large elections lead us to the opposite extreme, where constituents number 1.9 million. By a reasonable person’s judgment, 270,000 voters (1/7 of LACCD’s voters) will ensure far greater accountability without raising the question of parochialism.

Under district elections, the opportunity for greater representation of ethnic minorities is increased. To paraphrase Althea Baker’s words, we should not limit ourselves by thinking of only “black” and “Latino” seats. Agreed. The issue is not strictly to provide an opportunity for blacks and Latinos to be elected, but more importantly, to provide and opportunity for blacks and Latinos in South-Central and East Los Angeles to elect someone from their community to represent them on the board. The choice will ultimately be theirs under AB 364.

AB 364 is a good government bill. Not only will it ensure that every corner of the district is represented and cost savings on operating elections are achieved, it will guarantee access for candidates who might not otherwise be able to mount a successful campaign over such a large and unwielding district.

LETICIA QUEZADA

Member, Board of Education

L.A. Unified School District