We Must Remove Fear, Crime, Despair : Mayor’s race: To prosper, Los Angeles residents must unite and face the city’s problems.

My vision for Los Angeles is, first, to resolve the violent conditions of today, and second, for the future success of this metropolitan city and its many ethnic communities. My concern is for the city and its people to unite in solving the main issues facing Los Angeles: the escalating crime and the devastating homeless life.

There is in our city a loud, visible cry from the victims of gang shootings and the homeless people. The everyday fear of violence and the struggle to survive in the streets must be felt by all.

Crime involving gang killings, illegal weapons and drugs must be addressed as a vital concern for our society and future generations. Are we accepting the deaths of our young people? Have we given in to a fearful environment? Or can we change the present violent affairs of Los Angeles?

I hear the human cry to survive. But do we care to listen? Few seem to notice, and sadly, many turn their heads away and shut their eyes to others’ pain. If we allow or continue in the present destructive ways, everyone will suffer.

For the past 10 years, I have served with Victory Outreach, a drug rehabilitation and home-shelter ministry. I have counseled the gang member, the drug addict, the confused homeless person. I have seen their lives improve. As the Bible says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

I now stand ready, willing and able to serve all the people of Los Angeles. I urge the politicians, communities and church leaders to unite and remove the fear. We must group together with one major cause: to free the city from crime and despair.

Every candidate should support solutions to these conditions. We must pledge to restore Los Angeles to a place of hope and opportunity, a city rightfully known as “the City of Angels.”